A 13-year-old boy in Ismailia, Egypt, has confessed to murdering his classmate, dismembering the body, and consuming part of it out of curiosity, in a case that has stunned the nation. The gruesome act, influenced by violent films and video games, has sparked urgent discussions about youth exposure to graphic content and the need for stronger parental oversight.
The Fatal Attack
The suspect, identified as Youssef A., lured his 12-year-old classmate, Mohamed A.M., to his family’s apartment in Ismailia’s Al-Mahatta Al-Jadida district on October 20, 2025. While alone, Youssef attacked Mohamed with a wooden stick, striking him repeatedly on the head until he died. Authorities believe the weapon was a carpentry mallet from the suspect’s father’s tools.
During police questioning, Youssef admitted he was inspired by violent scenes in movies and online games. “I wanted to try what I saw,” he told investigators, highlighting the dangerous impact of graphic media on young minds.
Dismemberment and Scattered Remains
After the killing, Youssef used an electric saw to dismember Mohamed’s body into pieces small enough to fit into his school backpack. To evade detection, he scattered the remains across multiple locations in Ismailia, including behind a Carrefour shopping center, under a bridge, in a public pool, and in an open field.
Local residents alerted authorities after discovering body parts near the shopping center. Police followed the trail, recovering additional remains and quickly identifying Youssef as the suspect.
Disturbing Cannibalistic Act
In a chilling detail, Youssef confessed to eating a portion of Mohamed’s flesh, driven by curiosity. He described the taste as similar to “breaded chicken,” a statement that has shocked investigators and the public alike. Forensic analysis confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma and verified the use of an electric saw in the dismemberment.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities detained Youssef immediately, requiring him to re-enact the crime and lead them to the disposal sites. He was held for four days by Public Prosecution before being transferred to a juvenile care facility for a week pending further review. A comprehensive psychological evaluation is underway, alongside drug tests and DNA analysis to compare samples from both boys. Initial tests found no evidence of substance abuse.
Investigators are now examining the specific films and video games that may have influenced Youssef’s actions, aiming to understand the role of violent media in this tragedy.
Community Grief and National Debate
Mohamed’s death has left Ismailia in mourning. Thousands attended his funeral prayers at Al-Matafi Mosque, and he was laid to rest in the family cemetery in Kassab. Images of the young victim have circulated widely, intensifying public grief.
The case has ignited a firestorm of debate across Egypt. Citizens are calling for stricter regulations on children’s access to violent online content and greater parental and societal supervision. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to graphic media can desensitize young individuals, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes.
Addressing the Root Causes
As Youssef awaits further proceedings in juvenile court, Egypt faces critical questions about child safety. Should media platforms enforce stricter age restrictions? Could enhanced school counseling prevent such incidents? This tragedy underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to protect youth from harmful influences.
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