Teen Blames Movie For Murders

Between May 12-15th Jonathan Cruz committed several vicious crimes in the Indianapolis, Indiana area.  The 19 year-old confessed to going on a four-day "purge", which included rape and murder.  His comment was that he was influenced by the movie 'The Purge'. Cruz stated that he was constantly watching 'The Purge' and its sequel 'The Purge Anarchy' and referenced the films in text messages to friends and family.

This is certainly not the first time a movie or song (re: Helter Skelter in the Manson murders) have been used as an excuse for demented activities by unstable individuals.  However, I must say, that the world we live in is getting more violent as witnessed by the crowd-riots surrounding the U.S. Presidential campaign.

Although not in any way responsible, Hollywood should take pause and evaluate what type of product to produce given the current social mindset we currently find ourselves - for eventually the thoughts of critics and the citizenry may turn to just how 'responsible' is it to create this type of movie or TV show.

Universal, the distributor of the 'Purge' films, is set to release the third film in the series, on July 1st, 'The Purge: Election Year', and must be just a wee bit anxious.  This, particularly in light of what is occurring at every political gathering and the huge protests which are going to surround this summer's upcoming Party Presidential Conventions. Will Universal postpone the release of 'The Purge: Election Year' ?  This maybe a good idea in light of the Cruz case, but the July 1st release is still set.
For those unfamiliar with the premise of 'The Purge', it is that for one night each year the government would allow citizens to commit any crime without fear of prosecution.

Cruz is obviously a demented individual but the question remains: if a movie can put one crazed soul over the tipping point to commit random acts of the worst type of violence is there responsibility on the part of the film-makers?  Heretofore, that question resulted in a 'No' but the times they are a changing.