YULEE, Fla. — In a bizarre incident, Edward Kang, 20, reportedly traveled from New Jersey to Fernandina Beach, Florida, with the intent to harm someone he had been playing against in the online video game ArcheAge, authorities revealed.
According to Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, Kang targeted his victim, who he deemed a “bad person” in the game, leading to a confrontation that turned violent.
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Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper described the incident as “a weird one” during a press conference.
Kang now faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and armed burglary.
The argument between Kang and the victim, who is around the same age as Kang, happened in ArcheAge, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Leeper said the game is similar to World of Warcraft and Kang and the two had never met in person.
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According to the arrest report, Kang’s journey began on Thursday evening when he left his New Jersey home. His mother told police that she believed he was visiting a friend he had met through online gaming years ago.
Sheriff Leeper said Kang flew from Newark Liberty International Airport at 7:35 p.m. on a Delta flight, arriving at Jacksonville International Airport around 2:00 a.m. Friday.
He completed a mobile check-in Thursday at the Ocean Coast Hotel on Thursday, according to his arrest report.
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Kang then checked into the Ocean Coast Hotel and proceeded to purchase a hammer and a flashlight from a local Ace Hardware store, items later reportedly found in his hotel room by authorities.
The incident unfolded late Saturday night when Kang entered the victim’s home, reportedly unlocked while the victim was playing video games late Saturday into Sunday morning inside his bedroom when he went to use the restroom.
Sheriff Leeper described Kang as wearing all-black attire, gloves, and a mask, armed with the hammer raised in the air “in an anticipated strike position.”
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The victim’s stepfather woke up to hear screaming, finding his stepson on the ground and Kang in possession of a hammer, Leeper said.
The victim and his stepfather were able to restrain Kang until deputies arrived at the home around 2:00 a.m. Sunday.
When deputies arrived, they saw a significant amount of blood in the entryway of the home. Leeper said the victim has severe head injuries but he has been released from the hospital.
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“The suspect was asked why he did what he did. The suspect stated, ‘He is a bad person online,’ talking about the victim,” Leeper said.
Leeper said Kang is not cooperating with investigators at this time and has asked for legal representation.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential real-world consequences of online interactions,” Leeper said. “We urge the public to exercise caution, report any suspicious online behavior to the authorities, and always ensure their homes are securely locked.”
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