Boy defends home from PS3 robbers with katana
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Jun 12th 2007 at 1:03PM }
The robber ran and was found later by police hiding behind a neighbor's palm tree ... 'cause its Florida. The second nefarious thief skipped town (or just got away, one or the other). Although, we have to say that Delio Fernandez, the two children's father, took the words right out of our mouth when he said, "If [the robber] would have had a gun, I could have lost one of my children." Yeah, the daughter, cause your son's got mad ninja skills!
[Via FileFront, Thanks Disclain3r]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Grindstone @ Jun 12th 2007 1:09PM
Mad Ninja Skillz, FTW!
No doubt he learned them from his years of gaming -- I wonder if JT will use that as an argument in favor of his misguided crusade...
Looks like the daughter needs to play more games.
John @ Jun 12th 2007 1:11PM
i wish i had ninja skills
then i could be a robber and never been caught
Miguel Hernandez @ Jun 12th 2007 1:11PM
Ha ha ha, thats awesome, way to protect your PS3 Damian!!
DAMN NINJA!!
videogamer99 @ Jun 12th 2007 1:13PM
So the teenager was Hiro Nakamura and the robbers were a single dinosaur? A dinosaur that talks none the less? That is awesome.
Tadioku @ Jun 12th 2007 1:11PM
the PS3 now teaches your children self defense, that's it I'm getting one
Crono @ Jun 12th 2007 1:12PM
The idea of confronting an (armed) robber with naught but a sword is not an apealing thought.
The other night, my wife and were woken up by loud banging in the house. I got up and armed myself with the cheap pakistani steel katana I got from the flea market for 8 dollars (don't want to bloody up one of the other, more expensive Swords) and investigated. Halfway down the hall, the realization come to me that, sure, I might scare the guy away, but if he's armed with a Gun I would be at a severe disadvantage.
Luckily, the noise was just a helium "happy birthday" balloon being sucked into a ceiling fan. Felt pretty stupid, but also made me realize that I need to get on buying a pistol from my company. Better to have it and not need it, than to need it, and not have it.
micro @ Jun 12th 2007 1:12PM
What you expected with a boy named Damian??
penas @ Jun 12th 2007 1:14PM
if i was the kid i would have gone bankai, then the rape fest would have been on.
Dansk @ Jun 12th 2007 1:16PM
Please, kids, don't try to act against a robbery in progress. That is the kind of action that will get you killed.
penas @ Jun 12th 2007 1:17PM
yeah i would have used a claymore, why stab when you can slice (in half).
Seth @ Jun 12th 2007 1:24PM
This round: Robber vs. Ninja= Ninja win
Next round: Ninja vs. Pirate
jim @ Jun 12th 2007 1:24PM
i wonder if he played the shadowrun demo...........
kabes @ Jun 12th 2007 1:27PM
Too bad he didn't kill the burglar. He deserves it.
Matt B @ Jun 12th 2007 1:28PM
@9 Dansk
That is pussy talk. never mess with a man in his castle. If a burlar came in my house, I'd have done the same, protect my family and my stuff.
Lucas @ Jun 12th 2007 1:30PM
"Please, kids, don't try to act against a robbery in progress. That is the kind of action that will get you killed."
Compliance is not any more likely to work. How many kids get raped and killed because they comply? How do you know they weren't child predators? Just because a crook tells the cops all he was after was some loot after he has been caught? How do you know that if the kid hadn't defended himself and surprised them that wouldn't have happened? You don't know. In situations like this are are no right or wrong actions. There is only survival. Fight, flight, or comply, there are no guarantees. Do what you think you need to do to survive, because there is a risk that anything you do will end badly.
refinedsugar @ Jun 12th 2007 1:31PM
Loved the use of the word "stabbed" to make it more violent sounding than it was in reality. Loved the tone and the general lack of the serious nature. Loved that it involved video games in the least.
Judd @ Jun 12th 2007 1:31PM
I understand that if someone breaks into your house you have the right to defend yourself, but is this really a good thing?
First of all, stabbing someone isn't really commendable. I know that the guy was robbing his stuff, but the kid stabbed with a katana in the chest. Maybe he meant to kill the robber. It's really only self defense if your life is on the line. The boy probably isn't going to get any charges against him(and I'm not saying that he should). But if the robber died, the kid would've been a killer. It would be second or third degree murder or manslaughter, but still. I mean how many people who aren't weapons collectors to begin with own katanas? I wouldn't be surprised if this guy owned Genji. What do you think the Jack Thompson's of the world will think of, when they hear that a kid who plays sword fighting video games owns a katana and used it? I'm not saying that I actually agree with that sentiment, but it doesn't bode well for the "virtual violence does not cause real violence" argument.
Secondly, the boy put himself at risk. As the father said, if one of the robbers had a gun his son would have been dead. To just jump out at someone is dangerous. The father may have preferred to see his son hide from the robber and deal with his losses, than have his son risk his life. This is the same thing with the gamer who got shot by saving someone else from being robbed.
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/gamer-shot-while-saving-robbery-victim/
My mom is a bank manager and she is always told, "In the event of a robbery, DO NOT BE A HERO." What this boy did was brave, sure, but that doesn't mean it wasn't stupid. The purpose of having a police force, is to take care of those things so that you don't have to. Being a vigilante in today's world isn't honorable, it's dumb.
vidGuy @ Jun 12th 2007 1:31PM
"Too bad he didn't kill the burglar. He deserves it."
And then the kid, and by extension his parents, could be held accountable for murder. Few courts would see a stabbing as necessary to defend a PS3.
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the burglar sued for damages.
Wild Homes @ Jun 12th 2007 1:32PM
sure it's dangerous, but stabbing the robber with a sword is pretty great. kudos to Damian for defending his home with extreme prejudice. also, Kudos to Hiro Nakamura, just because.
between this story and the guy who saved the security guard a few weeks ago, video games seem to be making us almost unrealistically tough this year. our bravura ftw.
oh and, time traveling home-invading dinosaur ftl.
Dave @ Jun 12th 2007 1:32PM
He has failed to kill his enemy. He now must commit seppuku.
Kunikos @ Jun 12th 2007 1:35PM
The kid fails at using a sword. You never make stabbing motions with a katana, because maximum effectiveness comes from wide slashing motions.
Shagittarius @ Jun 12th 2007 1:35PM
In florida if someone is in your house, and deemed to be an intruder at a later date you can kill them in self defence. This is not a crime in florida. Even if they guy was an overzealous wii salesman and the front door was open the kid was totally within his rights to cut his head off.
Too bad it wasn't a wii salesman...that would have been teh bomb.
Joe @ Jun 12th 2007 1:37PM
Why the hell does a young kid have a damn samurai sword?
That's bad parenting, though he stopped a robbery.
heretrix @ Jun 12th 2007 1:38PM
That article reads as if it were written by an idiot.
"The robber ran and was found later by police hiding behind a neighbor's palm tree ... 'cause its Florida."
WTF?
Xenod @ Jun 13th 2007 10:33AM
"Maybe he meant to kill the robber. It's really only self defense if your life is on the line. The boy probably isn't going to get any charges against him(and I'm not saying that he should). But if the robber died, the kid would've been a killer. It would be second or third degree murder or manslaughter, but still. "
I believe you're allowed to use lethal force if someone invades your home.
Dansk @ Jun 12th 2007 1:39PM
I meant like in the street or somehting.
I live in one of the most violent cities in the world. These guys here usually act while drugged and will kill you for almost no reason and barely remember it later.
When they steal cars (with you inside) or just plain mugging you, they never do it alone, there is one or more people somewhere else to give them cover.
I knew someone who died because he reacted.
I agree its not a bad move to do it in your house, though, depending on the situation.
I've been hostage to abuilding takeover once, and these guys come in groups with heavy weapons and explosives.
Maximo @ Jun 12th 2007 1:53PM
that's awesome!
Ross @ Jun 12th 2007 5:01PM
This is so epic. That child is a legend.
NINJA FTW!
X_Arre @ Jun 12th 2007 1:43PM
I hate the fact that if the boy had killed the invader on instinct and will to protect himself and family, then he could be charged with murder.
I say this is the only time you can really blame the victim. YOU BROKE INTO HIS FUCKING HOUSE
Jake @ Jun 12th 2007 1:51PM
Some of you are such pussies. If someone is intruding in your home and you have a sword, you stalk them like a ninja assassin and disembowel them.
But seriously, it is totally legal to kill an intruder in your house unless they are fleeing. If you say you feared for your life, and it is deemed that they were intruding, it is legal. This isn't a Florida thing. It is our constitutional right to protect ourselves.
These kids should have announced their presence when the thiefs knocked, though. Most non-violent intruders will knock on your door during the day to make sure nobody is home before trying to enter. If they knew people were home, they likely would have left right then.
When I lived near downtown Minneapolis, black dudes on three different occasions and a mexican once came and knocked on our door during weekdays. We had a college house in the bottom of a duplex in a non-college area, so the thiefs could get inside before having to work on the door and thought we'd be at work. We wouldn't answer because our friends would always let themselves in. Sure enough, next thing you know some thief is trotting through our house with a backpack calling out for some friend they claim they think lives there, which is just a cover for in case you are home. We chase them out, call the cops, and nothing happens. Like clockwork, some other chump tries it again after a few months. Every time it is the same. They knock, then knock louder, then they open the door and start calling some random name while cautiously entering. They always have a bag with some tools. Except the Mexican dude who came in at 9 a.m. with no shirt on and looking like he was on crack. That was kind of scary.
I know this and never came out with my .45 and murdered the dude because I knew I wasn't in danger and he was just a petty thief. But if I was home alone at night and was startled by someone crow-barring my door open, only to come out face to face with a black dude carrying a crow-bar, that fool would be in serious danger of dying right there.
It is pretty dangerous to break into somebody's home. You should probably just not do it.
Allen @ Jun 12th 2007 1:52PM
Get your shurikens ready, the battle ain't over, kid.
Lucas @ Jun 12th 2007 1:53PM
"I knew someone who died because he reacted."
I'm sorry to hear that Dansk. My cousin was raped and murdered because she listened to the guy when he said he'd let her go if she did everything he wanted. I won't go into detail, but it wasn't quick... about as horrifying as you can possibly imagine. Like I said, there are no guarantees, no matter what you do. Do what you think you have to do to survive.
DBX00 @ Jun 12th 2007 1:56PM
Shagittarius is right about the fact that in Florida this would never fall under anything but self-defense. If someone breaks into your house, you have the right to take any measures necessary to remove them from your property. As long as you don't shoot them in the back as they are running from your property it would be self-defense in Florida. This varies state to state, but traditionally in the South that is the rule of thumb, which is why trespassing on a persons property is a serious matter in the South.
In most cases, if the kid ran without his sister we would be screaming "how could you leave your sister", if he complied and they kidnapped him it would end in him and his sister being found dead somewhere in the everglades. In most cases, the best chance of survival is in the first few moments of a situation even if the person has a gun or not.
Personally, I think the best way to deal with this situation is to have serious measures to prevent someone from getting into your home without making a major effort or skill.
Daniel @ Jun 12th 2007 1:56PM
He wouldn't have been charged for murder. Flordia has had a 'castle doctrine' law for the past 2 years.
Zertoss @ Jun 12th 2007 1:57PM
"I hate the fact that if the boy had killed the invader on instinct and will to protect himself and family, then he could be charged with murder."
If he had, he most likely would've gotten off on self defense. Like Lucas said, he couldn't have known what these goons were after, they could've been intending to take more than just some loot. If he had any reason to believe that his or his sister's life was in danger, which he most likely did, then he had every right to attack.
When people are scared, they can get violent. That goes for both the victims and the thieves.
Game Artist @ Jun 12th 2007 1:59PM
Yah, Im a big fan of being able to defend your house with lethal force. If someone is breaking and entering, they have no rights as far as Im concerned.
megaStryke @ Jun 12th 2007 1:59PM
As has already been said, Florida law states that if someone enters your home illegal, you have every right to assume that the intruder can and will inflict bodily harm upon you. In turn, you have the right to use any force, including lethal force, necessary to combat the intruder. As a Floridian, this law pleases me greatly.
You don't wanna wind up as cold cuts? Don't break into someone's house.
redspear @ Jun 12th 2007 2:10PM
About a month a go I got jacked in the back of my head while opening the door to my apartment. When I came through my TV, PS3, Wii, Computer, Monitor, DS, luggage, a bunch of paperwork, Maui Jims, and even a stupid picture hanging on the wall + a bunch of other things were all gone. I had a concussion and later found a crack pipe in the apartment...not that the police didn't care I had no description and I live 2 blocks away from the Tenderloin(though in SF two blocks is a world of difference.
While I still beleive that violence is never the answer. Anyone saying just defending a PS3? Hell no the danger from a home invasion comes from the people invading the home they can do anything and most likely will for their own self interest. The doctor told me that blow to the back of the head could of easily killed me(It felt like a metal bat). The kid not only had his interest but also his sisters interest + he had no way of knowing what their intent was. I am not saying he was rigth or wrong...I think if it was just him I would think the best option wold be to flee but these kinds of decisions have to be made fast and quickly and he made his to the potential benefit of his sister and lastly his parents property...
His family should invest in a dog or better yet a falcon(don't laugh falcons can be loyal and they can seriously do more damage than a dog much faster too)
Chris @ Jun 12th 2007 2:14PM
Some of you are just dumb. I don't cair if you are just after a candybar. You brake into my home you had better be ready to die for what ever you are after! There is a good chance he saved his sister or him self from being raped by some sick people. Sure they told the cops they only wanted to rob the place but who is to say thats not a lie? This kid Is a hero!
steve @ Jun 12th 2007 2:50PM
News Update:
Dr. House was shot when mistaken for a burglar as he and his team visited a patient's home in Florida yesterday
Jon @ Jun 12th 2007 2:14PM
LOL! This just made my day!
vidGuy @ Jun 12th 2007 2:15PM
Thanks for the info about Florida, everyone.
Usually this kind of thing doesn't allow full force under all circumstances. Usually the court considers if the defendant used all other possible methods of getting the attacker away and if the use of force was justified (you usually can ONLY use the smallest amount of force necessary to eliminate the threat - that means you can't shoot a guy if all he has is a knife and is 30 feet away from anybody). Also, in self-defense cases the court considers if the defendant used all possible sources of escape from the threat - but that is ignored in cases when the defendant is in his or her own home.
Just think about it this way though: if Damian had sliced/stabbed and killed one of the neighborhood boys who had come into his home to steal the PS3, this would be a much different situation.
megaStryke @ Jun 12th 2007 2:16PM
@redspear
"His family should invest in a dog or better yet a falcon(don't laugh falcons can be loyal and they can seriously do more damage than a dog much faster too)"
They will call you the Falcon and they will call me... the Falconer!
Kizzle @ Jun 12th 2007 2:17PM
"Some of you are just dumb. I don't cair if you are just after a candybar. You brake into my home you had better be ready to die for what ever you are after! There is a good chance he saved his sister or him self from being raped by some sick people. Sure they told the cops they only wanted to rob the place but who is to say thats not a lie? This kid Is a hero!"
Notice that the guy who can't even spell "care" is the one who is calling other people dumb and proclaiming him a "hero?"
This kid was a fucking idiot.
p-diddy @ Jun 12th 2007 2:20PM
>> But seriously, it is totally legal to kill an
>> intruder in your house unless they are fleeing. If
>> you say you feared for your life, and it is deemed
>> that they were intruding, it is legal. This isn't
>> a Florida thing. It is our constitutional right to
>> protect ourselves.
While I don't disagree that in most states you have the right to use force against an intruder, it is not a Constitutional Right. Each state sets its own law regarding defending your home - it is not Federal law.
-p-
The ZeroCorpse @ Jun 12th 2007 2:21PM
Yeah... Break into my house, I will kill you.
It's pretty simple.
silkylove @ Jun 12th 2007 2:21PM
@ Kunikos
Many people who own Katanas for display purposes do not have them sharpened. Therefore, stabbing might have been the only way to do significant damage.
Huricos @ Jun 12th 2007 2:23PM
Why did this kid have access to freaking Katana?!
Tesley @ Jun 12th 2007 2:25PM
YEAH! that's what i'm talking about... Just like this kid, i would to anything to protect my PS3....
LIMITED STOCK...THINGS COULD GET UGLY
redspear @ Jun 12th 2007 2:24PM
Kizzle,
What is the need for ad hominem?
VidGuy
From what I understand about self defense what you say rings true. Most cases I work on are patent cases, including the infamous Immersion case. My understanding of criminal law is very weak. I thnk my company has only worked on 3 or 4 criminal trials the most famous one was one about a dog bite. I only do trial tech though.
One thing you did forget to mention though vidguy. this is a child and there was another person involved which is his sister. From what I remember self defense can extend to defense of others. On top of that being a child his judgement is not held to the same level as an adult. However his parents shold be hearing something about him being left alone to face that by himself.