Teen’s Crime Spree May Have Purge Connection

Whether it is the kids at Columbine saying they were inspired by DOOM or the sad case in 2014 where two little girls stated that they stabbed their classmate in an attempt to summon Slender Man, there will always be poor, misguided individuals who seek to imitate the art they love and blame their actions on said media.  Unfortunately, today marks one more such incident entering the annals of history.  In an attempt to copy The Purge an Indiana teen has allegedly gone on a violent crime spree and rampage.

The suspect is 19-year-old Indiana resident Jonathan Cruz, who is being held on $200,000 bail pending the initial hearing Thursday in the Marion County Superior Court.  Cruz purportedly shot three men, Jose Alberto Ruiz, Jay Higginbotham and Billy Boyd between May the 12^th and the 15^th and was picked up on May 16^th on a separate matter for which he was charged with criminal confinement, kidnapping, intimidation, and battery.

A witness stated that Cruz bragged that he was going on a Purge ala the film series.  The Purge films were also mentioned in texts and messages to friends and family from whom he was attempting to solicit post-crime aide.

In addition to the Purge, connection police believe there may be a gang aspect to these crimes as in other social media and cell phone evidence that was obtained by police, Cruz can be seen flashing gang signs and brandishing weapons.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXMp9fBomJw[/embedyt]

As of now Mr. Cruz faces 17 counts against him and if convicted could possibly face life in prison without the chance of parole.  Cruz’s initial hearing will be this upcoming Thursday.

Do you believe this man was definitely inspired by The Purge, 100 percent?  Or do you feel that the film series is completely without blame and the wrong doing is entirely the responsibility of this 19-year-old?  Have you never heard of the Purge films?  Whatever your opinion may be, we would love to hear about it in the comments section.