These kids were stupid. The guy's patently nuts, which is why the house has a reputation. For these girls to go to the house of a nutcase was foolish.
That said, this guy did a very wrong thing, and will pay for it.
Here's a tip for high school kids: Stay off other people's property, especially if that property has a reputation for being dangerous.
Ahem. I believe the article said the girl was hit while in the car. Unless they were driving across his lawn they were on a street.