Tokyo Woman Jailed for Avatar "Murder"

According to an Associated Press story, a Tokyo woman is in jail today for logging on to a virtual world and deleting her virtual husband's virtual identity.

The woman, a 43-year-old piano teacher, was evidently upset that her online companion in a virtual world called "Maple Story" decided to abruptly end their online relationship. So she logged on and deleted his avatar, with password information she still had from their more idyllic virtual times together. The owner of the deceased avatar then contacted police and to complain about the destruction of his virtual property.

The woman could face up to five years in jail or a fine of up to $5,000, according to the AP.

By Mike Musgrove | October 23, 2008; 2:10 PM ET | Category: Mike Musgrove
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all i gotta say is WOW

Posted by: lionelhutz84 | October 23, 2008 4:11 PM

How on earth did this become international news? The woman was arrested on charges of HACKING, not killing an avatar. Wow. Big news. What a waste of reading time!

Posted by: xiexieniii | October 24, 2008 12:48 AM

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