The Egyptian city of Ismailia was shaken by a horrific crime that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy at the hands of his 13-year-old friend, identified as Youssef. What began as a routine quarrel between two close companions ended in tragedy when the victim was killed inside an apartment in the El-Mahatta El-Gedida neighborhood.

According to police reports, Youssef later confessed to using an electric saw belonging to his father—who works as a carpenter—to dismember the body and conceal the remains. In his statement, he admitted that his method was inspired by scenes from the American TV series Dexter.

The crime and its unfolding

Investigations revealed that the two boys were close friends who often spent their time together in local gaming cafés. On the day of the incident, a dispute broke out between them during a gaming session and was quickly settled by the shop owner. A few days later, Youssef invited his friend over under the pretext of trying new games. The visit turned violent, and in the heat of the fight, Youssef struck the victim with a wooden hammer, killing him instantly.

Panicked by what he had done, Youssef tried to erase any trace of the crime. He used his father’s electric saw to cut the body into several parts, sealed them in plastic bags, and disposed of them in different areas near a nearby lake. Surveillance footage later revealed that the victim was last seen with Youssef, leading investigators to his home, where they found blood stains and other evidence linking him to the murder. During interrogation, the young suspect broke down and confessed, admitting that he had copied the disposal method from scenes he had seen on television.

Psychological evaluation and family background

A psychiatric examination ordered by prosecutors suggested that Youssef suffers from behavioral and emotional disorders, aggravated by a troubled home environment and a lack of parental supervision. Experts noted his exposure to violent media as a contributing factor that may have shaped his perception of aggression and control, though they emphasized that such exposure alone cannot fully explain the crime—it is part of a wider psychological and social context.

Why Dexter?

The suspect specifically mentioned the American series Dexter as his source of inspiration. The show follows Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood analyst who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer, targeting criminals who escape justice. The series is known for its dark themes, moral ambiguity, and graphic depictions of murder and evidence disposal. When it first aired, Dexter sparked debate over the potential impact of violent entertainment on impressionable viewers, particularly adolescents.

Ongoing investigation

Prosecutors are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, including Youssef’s mental state and the role of family neglect. The case has ignited a national discussion about the psychological effects of media violence, the limits of parental oversight, and how easily young minds can be distorted when fiction and reality dangerously intertwine.