Man charged with attempted murder: hammer attack after argument over online gaming

A 20-year-old man is accused of flying across the country and attempting to use a hammer to murder someone with whom he had an argument over online gaming.

Edward Kang, 20, flew from Newark, New Jersey, to Jacksonville, Florida, to confront someone he had an online dispute with, according to Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. He was charged Monday with attempted second-degree murder and attempted burglary, according to court records.

“I just want you to know that this is a strange thing … some things you just can’t make up,” Leeper said. “There are things that make you wonder, ‘What in the world was he thinking?'”

The victim, whose identity is not known, told authorities he was taking a break from playing a video game when he saw Kang standing in “punching position” with a hammer above his head. His stepfather was awakened by cries for help and allegedly found his stepson lying on the floor while struggling with Kang above him.

“The victim and stepfather were able to disarm and detain Kang until our officers arrived at the scene,” Leeper said.

Officers responded to a 911 call at about 2 a.m. Sunday morning and found a “significant amount of blood” in the entryway and the victim’s bedroom when they arrived at the home, Leeper said.

Court records do not list an attorney representing Kang. Leeper said Kang is not cooperating with the investigation into the incident.

A preliminary investigation suggests that Kang only knew the victim online. They had met while playing a fantasy video game called ArcheAge. According to the game’s website, servers in North America and Europe will be shut down this week due to declining user numbers.

Leeper did not elaborate on the nature of Kang’s alleged argument with the victim. Although his name was not mentioned, Leeper said the victim was “about the same age” as Kang.

Investigators say Kang told his family he was flying to visit a friend he met years ago. Leeper said they were able to determine he took an Uber from the Jacksonville airport to a hotel in Fernandina Beach on Friday.

Kang bought a hammer and a flashlight at an ACE hardware store when he arrived in Jacksonville, Leeper said, citing receipts found by investigators.

It is believed Kang entered the victim’s home through an unlocked door. He was wearing all black, gloves and a mask, Leeper said.

The victim was treated for serious but non-life-threatening head injuries, Leeper said.

“When the suspect was asked why he did this, he replied, ‘He’s a bad person online,'” Leeper said. “He’s talking about the victim.”

Kang is also said to have asked the MPs how long one would go to prison for burglary and assault.

“I would say, Mr. Kang, it will be a long time before you play video games again,” Leeper said.