A 23-year-old man from Central Florida, United States, identified as Joseph Voigt, is facing charges for allegedly shooting both of his parents, leaving his father dead and his mother critically injured.
The incident reportedly occurred after the father urged his son to stop playing video games and find a job.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place on December 7 at approximately 11:20 p.m. in Bartow, Florida.
Authorities were alerted when a woman, later identified as Voigt’s mother, called the Bartow Police Department to report that her son had shot her and her husband, 63-year-old Marvin Voigt.
When officers arrived, they discovered Marvin deceased in the driveway, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Voigt’s mother, who was critically injured, was found inside the house. Despite her condition, she managed to inform police that her son was responsible for the attack before fleeing the scene.
She was rushed to the hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition.
A BOLO (Be On the Look Out) alert was issued for Voigt’s vehicle, which was later spotted by Orlando Police Department officers on International Drive in Orlando around 2 a.m.
Officers conducted a felony traffic stop and took Voigt into custody without incident.
During questioning, Voigt allegedly confessed to shooting his parents. Investigators revealed that the altercation began when Marvin expressed frustration over his son’s excessive video game habits and urged him to secure a job.
“Thanks to the rapid response of the Bartow Police Department, this violent and dangerous suspect was quickly apprehended,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “They asked for our assistance, and we were happy to oblige. My detectives will continue their thorough investigation into this crime to ensure Voigt will face the full consequences of his actions.”
Records show that Voigt is no stranger to law enforcement, with a criminal history that includes prior arrests for discharging a firearm in a residential area and battery.
He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail, awaiting transfer to the Polk County Jail.
Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker commended the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless shooting. 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,” he said.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading to this devastating incident.
