A Florida man, Joseph Voigt, 23, has been accused of shooting and killing his father, Marvin Voigt, 63, and wounding his mother, Susan Voigt, 58. The incident allegedly occurred after Joseph’s father became angry about his son’s excessive video game playing and lack of employment.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting happened at around 11:20 pm on Saturday, when Susan Voigt reported an incident at her home. Upon arrival, police found Marvin Voigt dead in the driveway with apparent gunshot wounds, and Susan Voigt suffering from a serious gunshot wound to the head.
Joseph Voigt fled the scene and was later apprehended by Orlando Police, who stopped his vehicle during a felony traffic stop. He allegedly confessed to the shooting, telling authorities that his father was upset with him for spending most of his time playing video games and had been pleading with him to make something of himself and get a job.
Joseph Voigt has a history of arrests, including charges of firing a weapon in a residential area and battery. He was released from jail on December 1 after being arrested for battery.
The Bartow Police Department described the scene as “sad and senseless,” with police chief Stephen Walker saying, “They found the mother sitting up on the couch. She was alive. She had been shot in the head once.” Grady Judd, the Polk County sheriff, expressed gratitude for the quick response of the Bartow Police Department and vowed to continue a thorough investigation to ensure Joseph Voigt faces the consequences of his actions. Joseph Voigt appeared in Orange County court on Monday and is set to be transported to a jail in Polk County, where he will be charged with murder and attempted murder.