You people who are criticizing the folks that say religion is responsible don't know what it's like to be raised in a strict religious household. I was raised a Jehovah's Witness. You know there were many times where I planned out my parents' demise, but I never went through with it only because it was illegal. I also knew at 18, I could just leave and they wouldn't be able to do a damn thing about it.
I was raised in an environment where 'R' rated movies were banned. Games with violent overtones were banned. So I had to sneak all that stuff. When I was growing up I wasn't allowed to play games like Contra, Metal Gear, Mortal Kombat, and etc. I had to sneak 'em. As you grow older and you realize how brainwashed your parents are by their religious values, you become more and more resentful towards them. When you aren't allowed to do the things that the majority of kids are doing around you, it can screw with your head if you're not careful. Eventually I used music, poetry, and keeping a hidden diary of my feelings to keep me sane until I could leave the house. Some people just don't have the patience nor the will to endure that kind of torture.
Strict religious values can definately have a grave impact on a child's life. I can sympathise with this kid, because I almost went there, because I was in a similar situation. I chose the legal way out, but he didn't. Granted, he probably was already a little screwed up in the head, and all he needed was a little push towards insanity.