A 24-year-old Florida man, Joseph Voigt, pleaded guilty to murder after he admitted to killing his father and shooting his mother back in December 2024. According to law enforcement, Voigt carried out his violent deeds after his father told him to get a job and stop spending too much time playing video games.
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According to a City of Barlow press release, the incident took place on December 7, 2024, at around 11:20 p.m. Voigt's mother, Susan, 58, called 911 and reported that she had been shot by Joseph, her son. Additionally, she told the dispatcher that her son had also shot his husband, Joseph's father, Marvin Voigt, 63.
Upon arrival, Bartow Police officers found Marvin in the driveway, having suffered gunshot wounds. Susan, meanwhile, was inside their residence, also suffering from a "serious gunshot wound." Once the Bartow Fire Department and emergency services arrived, Marvin was pronounced dead. Susan was transported to a local hospital, remaining in critical condition. Susan told authorities that Joseph had escaped.
Hours later, around 2 a.m., Orlando Police Department officers arrested Joseph Voigt after conducting a felony traffic stop. He was transferred to Orange County Jail at the time, and later to be transported to Polk County Jail. As per the City of Barlow, Voigt had a previous criminal history, which included firing a weapon in a residential area and battery.
Playing Video Games
The Polk County Sheriff's Office revealed that Voigt admitted to shooting his parents. As per the press release, Voigt's father was upset that he spent too much time playing video games and was "riding his *ss" about finding a job. This enraged Voigt, which prompted him to carry out the fatal shooting of his dad and almost kill his mother.
According to PEOPLE, Voigt was originally charged with first-degree murder in connection with his father's shooting. However, after accepting a plea deal, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree murder on Monday, April 7.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless shooting," Bartow Police Department Chief Stephen Walker said in December 2024. "We sincerely appreciate the assistance provided by the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Orlando Police Department in this case, which led to the quick arrest of the suspect, Joseph Voigt."
