Jonathan Cruz allegedly texted friends and family about the murders, telling his girlfriend "I purge every night now".
A 19-year-old man is accused of going on a
four-day killing spree in Indianapolis inspired by the horror film The
Purge, prosecutors have said.
Jonathan Cruz is alleged to have shot dead three people at
random between 12 and 15 May before sending text messages to friends and
family detailing his crimes.He is facing 17 charges, including three murder counts, attempted robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, armed robbery, intimidation and criminal gang enhancement.
Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said the murder spree began on 12 May when Billy Boyd, a 54-year-old grandfather, was found lying in the street with two gunshot wounds to the head.
And on 15 May, the body of Jose Ruiz was found inside his car on the east side of Indianapolis. He had been shot in the face.
Cruz is alleged to have sent text messages referencing The Purge, which starred Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey.
In one, sent to his girlfriend, he wrote: "I purge every night now."
He is also alleged to have told a witness to one of the shootings he was going "purging".
Authorities found videos from shootings, as well as gang-related violence, on a phone after arresting Cruz.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Mr Curry said: "Just when you think you cannot experience anything more inexplicable and shocking, as we frequently do, you are then confronted with circumstances that almost leave you at a loss for words.
"For those of you familiar with the film The Purge, from 2013, the premise of that movie was that for one night each year the government would allow citizens to commit any crime without fear of prosecution.
"As alleged in the probable cause, it is set forth that Mr Cruz when on a four-day one man purge, including, as alleged, making statements to witnesses that he was going purging, and posting explicit messages on his phone including I purge every night now."
Mr Curry said the arrest came as a result of statements made by witnesses and the victims of armed robberies in the city.
Cruz is set to appear in court on Thursday in Indianapolis.
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