This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Kid Busted for 'Swatting' Pranks is 12-Year-Old From 'incredibly dysfunctional' family

Tuesday, Los Angeles Police revealed they had determined the mastermind behind a series of "swatting" pranks targeted at celebs like Justin Bieber and Ashton Kutcher, and had made an arrest. Few details have been made public by the LAPD about the suspect, but leave it to TMZ to get some dirt on the kid in question.The juvenile suspect is a 12-year-old boy who "lives in California with his mother."
More about the suspect who made phony distress calls to authorities about serious situations at famous folks' homes:
He refuses to go to school and sits at his computer day and night, communicating with other hackers [... H]e is antisocial, preferring the keyboard to personal contact.
The sources who have given info to TMZ about the young suspect says the mother is rather hands-off (she has "virtually checked out," reports the site) and the family is described as being "incredibly dysfunctional."
Reportedly, Children's Services has been to the family home several times. Currently, an effort is underway to get the child into a "stable foster environment," and authorities may opt to pursue counseling rather than seek confinement or punishment.
-
It's been many, many years since we saw this much snow in our mountains. Going up there right now isn't safe, but here are some places where you can enjoy the view and snap a pic.
-
April Valentine died at Centinela Hospital. Her daughter was born by emergency C-section. She'd gone into the pregnancy with a plan, knowing Black mothers like herself were at higher risk.
-
A look at years past when snows creeped into our citified neighborhoods, away from the mountains and foothills.
-
-
In the face of a drier future, that iconic piece of Americana is on its way out in Southern California.
-
Another Missing Hiker Has Been Found Dead In San Gabriels As Search For Actor Julian Sands ContinuesBob Gregory, 62, went missing the same day as Sands. His body was recovered near Mount Islip.