Video game critics have long tried to establish a link between violence in video games with real world juvenile violence.  They have tried to censor video games, stating that it is necessary to curb psychotic juvenile tendencies. 

However, most experts have long agreed that studies have shown no clear link between video games and violence and that video games have beneficial effects according to some studies.  Crimes of a psychotic nature are not a new development, mental health experts say.

Still, those advocating banning video games surely were salivating over the shocking case of Daniel Petric, age 17.

Daniel Petric stands accused of shooting his mother and father, killing his mother and critically injuring his father, who was only saved by the arrival of his daughter and her husband.  Allegedly Daniel Petric, 16 years-old at the time, committed the crime because his parents took away his copy of Halo 3.

The lawyers for the accused argue that their client was under mental duress, having been injured in a snowboarding accident and unable to do anything besides watch TV and play video games.  The accused wanted to get Halo 3, but according to testimony, his parents forbade him from buying it. 

Undeterred, Daniel Petric bought the game.  Returning home, he had the game taken away by his father, who placed it in his lockbox, which also held a 9 mm handgun.  According to prosecutors, Daniel Petric gained access to this lockbox and took the game and the handgun.  He then entered the family living room on October 20, 2007 and innocently told his parents, "Would you guys close your eyes.  I have a surprise for you."

His parents complied.  Daniel Petric then, according to testimony, shot both of his parents in the head.  His father has recovered and is delivering key testimony in the case.

His father Mark Petric, a minister at the Life Assembly of God in Wellington, Ohio, says he and his son have since reconciled.  He says that his son came to him, stating, "Dad, I'm so sorry for what I did to Mom, to you and to the family.  I'm so glad you are alive."

His father responded, "You're my son.  You're my boy."

The case surely hits uncomfortably close to home for many parents that have had to discipline their children.  However, when considering this tragic case it is important to remember that such conflicts have long taken place -- psychotic tendencies outdate video games by healthy margin.