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Insets: Beau Lieurance (Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office/KSAZ/YouTube). Background: The Arizona home where Beau Lieurance allegedly pulled a gun on his mom and another person (KSAZ/YouTube).
An Arizona resident reportedly brandished an assault rifle at his mother during a heated argument over his perceived “rights” to a portion of their shared home. The individual allegedly aimed the firearm at his mother and attempted to fire, but the weapon didn’t discharge. Prosecutors suggest that his outburst may have been influenced by his extensive engagement with a “Total War” video game, which he is said to play for 50 to 60 hours weekly.
“I’ve finally had enough,” stated Beau Lieurance, 28, during a court appearance where he faced charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during a felony, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, as reported.
Lieurance expressed his frustration over not having acquired ownership of his “part of the house” in the seven years he had lived there, according to a report by local Fox affiliate KSAZ.
The Scottsdale resident faces allegations of threatening his mother and an elderly visitor with the firearm. While it’s uncertain if he was aware the gun wouldn’t fire, prosecutors are investigating potential mental health concerns and his gaming habits as contributing factors, according to KSAZ.
A Maricopa County prosecutor noted during a court session, “He is known to play a video game called Total War for approximately 50 to 60 hours each week. There are apprehensions regarding the individuals he interacts with in the game, who may be located in North Africa and possibly linked to Islamic extremists.”
Lieurance told the court that the charges and accusations against him are “completely false” and that it is he who is actually the victim.
“It was very obvious to any neighbor you could ask of that it was an intimidation for three to four days,” Lieurance said. “I believe that certain liquids was laced in some of my drinks.”
The prosecutor who spoke to the court said that Lieurance admitted to cops that he has “secret apps on his phone that he uses to communicate with individuals that he is playing Total War with.” Lieurance’s reply: “That’s completely false.”
Total War is a strategy video game series that has multiple titles and genres which feature an “exhilarating mix of turn-based empire building and colossal real-time battles.”
Lieurance was being held on a cash bond of $100,000 on Monday and was ordered to stay away from his mother and their home.