Probably a bit of both. Good swords are quite pricey and the regular ones you get over the internet tend not to take or hold and edge very well.
Some of them are barely sharp at all. Meant more to hang on the wall for decoration. (It was a good thing in this case).
A real sword is a fearsome weapon but most people treat them as jokes. If this kid was using a crappy cast bladed pseudo sword, and was untrained, you can imagine the damage that can be done with a real sword in the hands of someone who knows how to use one.
I am curious on the kind of blade he used, from a forensic poinit of view. To use a sword to kill and cut, you have to be really quite dedicated to follow through. I wonder what had set this untrained kid off to be able to actually do it. I am sure there is a lot more to this story.
Was the international student boffing Mom or something?
Got to have full tang carbon steel or Damascus steel. All others are toys.