Young boy, 14, stabbed to death after meeting stranger through online games

A 14-year-old school boy has been allegedly stabbed to death after being groomed on the internet through interactive computer games.

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by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

Breck Bednar, son of a U.S. oil millionaire, told his parents he was going for a sleepover with friends near his home in Caterham, Surrey, but was not.

Instead, it is believed he travelled to Grays, Essex, where he was found with knife wounds on Monday morning. Despite attempts to save him, he died later on that day.

Charged with his murder is 18-year-old Lewis Daynes, a computer engineer.

Breck was apparently a keen player of popular game Battlefiled 4
Breck was apparently a keen player of popular game Battlefiled 4

It is suggested that he pair may have met over the interactive game Battlefield 4, which Breck enjoyed immensely.

His father described him as 'a happy, gentle and smart boy' in a statement after the boy's death.

But according to a message on Imgur - a user claims Breck turned to the internet, and video games especially, in order to deal with his social awkwardness.

'it was very difficult for him to make friends and he would often avoid social interaction'

The post continued: 'it was very difficult for him to make friends and he would often avoid social interaction.'

'So, like myself and many others he turned to his computer and the internet for entertainment.'

Other friends of the schoolboy who attended St Bede's in Redhill, deny he was socially awkward and refer to him as a very close friend.

Lewis Daynes appeared in Basildon Magistrates Court today and only spoke to confirm his name, age and address during the hearing. His defence barrister has confirmed he will not be making an application for bail.

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