Monday, January 08, 2007

Saddam Copycat #4

Another young person has died by hanging, in possible imitation of the Saddam execution video.

This occurred on Wednesday, January 3, 2007, in Harborcreek (a section of Erie), Pennsylvania, when a 16 year old died by hanging when he stepped off a loft (apparently with a rope around his nexk).

The young person's standard death notice was published in the Erie Times-News from January 4, 2007 and January 5, 2007.

It reads, in part:

Robert Joseph “Bobby” Martin, 16 of Erie, died Wednesday, January 03, 2007. He was born in Erie, September 28, 1990, a son of Thomas O. and Wendy Mangan Martin. Bobby was a 10th grade student at Harborcreek High School where he played on its Jr. and Varsity football team as both running back and line backer. He also was the assistant on the girls varsity basketball team. He was a member of St. Peter Cathedral, enjoyed the outdoors, school and his many friends.

According to one local resident who left a comment here, Bobby Martin was a popular football player and honors student. He "had a New Year's Eve party for friends and two days later was dead. One cannot help but think that viewing the Saddam video again and again and again and again planted the seed."

Nevertheless, it is unknown if he did view the footage.