Attorney Says 'The Matrix' Caused Man To Kill Parents

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[chance33_98]

Attorney Says 'The Matrix' Caused Man To Kill Parents

Similar Defense Has Been Successful In Other Cases

POSTED: 3:43 p.m. CDT May 30, 2003 UPDATED: 3:50 p.m. CDT May 30, 2003

WASHINGTON -- The attorney for a 19-year-old Virginia man accused of murdering his parents with a shotgun says his client was influenced by the movie "The Matrix," KMBC's Peter Barnes reported.

Joshua Cooke was allegedly obsessed with the movie. He had posters and wore the film's signature leather clothes. And the shotgun he allegedly used to shoot his parents to death with this February was similar to one used in the movie.

"At the time he allegedly shot both of his parents, he was dressed in the full 'Matrix' costume. He was in possession of many of the props from the movie," said Rachel Fierro, Cooke's attorney.

Fierro plans to argue an insanity defense for Cooke. That defense has been successful at least twice before. Two people accused of murder have also used the "Matrix defense," and both were found not guilty by reason of insanity, Barnes reported.

"We believe that (Cook) believed himself to be in a virtual reality similar to that of 'The Matrix' at the time the attack occurred," Fierro said.

Cooke is currently in jail, where he has undergone a mental health evaluation. One expert said it is possible "The Matrix" could influence troubled people.

"Maybe someone who becomes extremely depressed and has psychosis is likewise affected by these movies that sort of perpetuate delusions," said Joan Marie Davoli, a law and mental health expert interviewed by Barnes.

But Robert Horan, the prosecuting attorney, is skeptical.

"'The Matrix' has been seen by millions of people and very few have committed any acts of violence as a result of seeing it," Horan said.

Cooke's trial begins in late June.

[goldstategop]

Hold Muh Film Alert! "The Matrix Made Me Do It, Your Honnah."

[martin_fierro]

"At the time he allegedly shot both of his parents, he was dressed in the full 'Matrix' costume. He was in possession of many of the props from the movie," said Rachel Fierro, Cooke's attorney.

No relation. <|:)~

[joesnuffy]

If he killed them with a handgun its the gun manufacturers fault
If he hit them with a car its the car manufacturers fault
If he stabbed them...knifed them...cut them up with a chain saw....or pushed them outta a window...its gotta be the manufacturers fault
Just axe any lawyer....please....

[goldstategop]

Typical liberalism. If you're a murderer, you're a victim of society. The movie didn't make him kill his parents in cold blood, HE DID. What's chutzpah here is his unwillingness to accept personal responsibility for the consequences of his action. Yeah if its not The Matrix that's advanced as a cop-out to doing something that's immoral or illegal or usually both, its something else. And I have yet to hear a liberal say its the guy who is guilty.

[tortoise]

"Mr. Anderson..."

[isthisnickcool]

Note how it's always something like this. Someone fanatical about a movie. But why always something like a movie? What's the big deal? Aren't there other things more enticing? More important?

For example, we hear that Hillary Rodham Clinton is the bees knees from the media. How wonderful she is. How smart how this, how that. All to "perfection". The smartest woman in the world. Right?

So? Why hasn't there been anyone dressing up like Hillary? And doing all the things that are "Hillary" does? Why are there not a bunch of big ankled, fat thighed gals running around wearing old crusty pantsuits?

I was just wondering about this........

[goose1]

Gee,I used to watch the Yogi Bear show and Never stole a picnic basket must be something wrong with me.

[AdamSelene235]

I would have thought a film would require a plot before it could influence someone's behavior.

The Matrix is a good screensaver but I wouldn't call it a movie.

[4mycountry]

I'm not sure if your post was meant for humor, but it made me lol.

[isthisnickcool]

I'm not sure if your post was meant for humor, but it made me lol.

I ath-ur you thath my tounge ith in my cheek wif thath post!

[D. Brian Carter]

I guess since Judas Priest isn't around anymore, this was the next best scapegoat...

[Mfkmmof4]

Oh spit!