Son Kills Dad Over Misheard Video Game Threats: Prosecutors

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL — A Hoffman Estates man accused of shooting and killing his 57-year-old father Wednesday claims he opened fire because he thought the threats his dad was yelling while playing a video game were meant for the 22-year-old and not other online gamers, according to the Chicago Tribune. Alec W. Tarasiuk was charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of his father, Walter Tarasiuk, the report stated. He he was ordered held without bail Thursday, the report added.

The shooting happened the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 10, in Walter Tarasiuk's home in the 900 block of Ash Road. According to prosecutors, father and son had been arguing earlier that day about Alec Tarasiuk's lack of employment, and the younger Tarasiuk was angered when his dad called him worthless and criticized him for living an aimless life, the report added.

Both men went to their own bedrooms following the argument, and Walter Tarasiuk began playing an online Xbox video game with other gamers, the report stated. During the game, the elder Tarasiuk loudly threatened the other players, and Alec told investigators he thought his father's angry words were meant for him, the report added.

The son then grabbed his father's loaded handgun from the garage and shot Walter once in the head, the report stated. When Alec saw the blood from the elder Tarasiuk's gunshot wound, he turned off the video game and called police to tell them he had shot his father, the report added.

RELATED: Son Accused Of Fatally Shooting Dad In Hoffman Estates Home: Cops

In denying bail, the judge in the case said he thought Alec Tarasiuk was danger because he had shot his father from behind, the report stated. Alec Tarasiuk, a Conant High School grad, has no previous criminal history and had lived with his mother in her Arlington Heights home before she told him to leave, the report added.

Walter Tarasiuk was described by residents as a neighborhood handyman who would help others with home projects, as well as organize get-togethers, such as weekly card games, according to the Daily Herald. Neighbors told WGN News the relationship between the Tarasiuks had been close, and they were shocked that the son had allegedly killed his father.

Alec Tarasiuk's next court date is Feb. 1.

More via the Chicago Tribune

Alec W. Tarasiuk, 22 (Photo via Cook County Sheriff's Office)