Video Game-Playing Son Charged With Killing Father, Wounding Mother

A man from Florida is facing serious legal charges after he told the police he shot and killed his father and injured his mother because of an argument over video games. According to WFOR, the man confessed to the crime and now must face the consequences of his actions in court. This tragic incident highlights the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly simple disagreements.

Family Argument

According to deputies, the shooting took place on Saturday, Dec. 7, around 11:20 p.m. Joseph Voigt, who is 23 years old, told deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office that his father had been upset with him for spending most of his time playing video games. Joseph explained that his father often criticized him, saying that he needed to stop wasting time and start focusing on more important things. His father had been telling him that he needed to get a job and work harder to improve his life. Joseph felt frustrated and angry about these constant reminders from his father, which led to the tragic events that occurred that night.

Tragic Death

Susan Voigt, 58, called the police and said her son had shot both her and her husband, 63-year-old Marvin Voigt, at their home. The Bartow Police Department said they arrived at the scene and found Marvin Voigt lying in the driveway, dead from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Inside the house, they found Susan Voigt with a serious gunshot wound. She was quickly taken to the hospital in critical condition. "They found the mother sitting up on the couch," police Chief Stephen Walker told reporters, according to Fox 13. "She was alive. She had been shot in the head once."

Traffic Stop Arrest

Susan told the police that their son had shot them both and then ran away from the scene. Police in Polk County and nearby areas were alerted to watch for the car Joseph Voigt was driving. Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, his vehicle was found on International Drive in Orlando, Florida. Orlando Police then pulled him over in a felony traffic stop and arrested him. The Polk County Sheriff's Office, which was helping Bartow Police, said Joseph Voigt admitted to shooting both of his parents.

Not His First Offense

Authorities also revealed that Joseph Voigt has a criminal record, including past arrests for shooting a weapon in a residential area and battery. He was released from jail on Dec. 1, 2024, after being arrested for battery, according to arrest records. "Thanks to the rapid response of the Bartow Police Department this violent and dangerous suspect was quickly apprehended," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement, according to Fox News. "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."

Walker also shared a statement, saying, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless shooting," according to Fox News.

Joseph Voigt's arrest was a result of quick action from law enforcement. After allegedly shooting his parents, he fled the scene, but police were able to locate his vehicle a few hours later in Orlando. With the help of the Orlando Police Department, Voigt was arrested without incident. He was taken into custody and is now facing serious charges for his actions. The investigation is ongoing.

References: Florida Man Kills Father, Wounds Mother After Father Told Him to Stop Playing Video Games, Get a Job | Florida Man Admits to Killing Father Who Wanted Him to Stop Playing Video Games, Get a Job | Bartow man kills father, injures mom because dad wanted him to stop playing video games and get a job: PCSO