Gamer killed by a friend in dispute over Diablo 2 loot
A heated argument over Diablo II ended in tragedy when Joshua G. Spellman (36 years old) shot and killed his friend in a dispute over in-game loot.
Andrew W. Dickson, the victim, was shot in the torso. At PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Vancouver, he succumbed to his injuries. Spellman had known Dickson for approximately 26 years.
The Columbian reported that Spellman was arrested for second-degree murder at Clark County Superior Court, according to court documents.
Spellman told detectives that Dickson, Dickson and another friend were playing Diablo 2 when an argument began. Spellman and Dickon shared a home, but they communicated via headsets and played in separate rooms.
According to some reports, an unknown player accessed the game at one point and stole the rare in-game loot the trio was trying to grab. Dickson began swearing and yelling because he was under the impression that the game was private and password-protected.
Spellman says that this continued for three to five minutes and that he finally told Dickson to calm down or he would be shot.
According to court documents, Spellman took the gun from near his computer and walked out of his bunkhouse, firing a shot in midair before entering the main house. Spellman was speaking with his father when Dickson entered and threatened to shoot Spellman. It is believed that Dickson approached Spellman and was shot in his torso.
When asked why his gun was so close to his computer, Spellman answered: “Why not?” This is America.
Spellman said that Dickson was prone to be upset but has never been violent towards him. Spellman is currently being held without bail on $750,000. He has no criminal record. His arraignment is set for December 29, 2021.
