In a significant development in a tragic family incident, Joseph David Voigt, 23, of Bartow, Florida, pleads guilty to second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of his father, Marvin Voigt, 63, and the attempted murder of his mother, Susan Voigt, 58. The plea agreement, reached on April 8, 2025, comes four months after the December 7, 2024, shootings that shocked the community.
The incident occurred late at night when Susan Voigt contacted authorities, reporting that her son had shot both her and her husband. Responding officers found Marvin Voigt deceased in the driveway with multiple gunshot wounds. Inside the residence, they discovered Susan Voigt suffering from a serious gunshot wound to the head. She was transported to a local hospital, where she remained in critical but stable condition.
According to law enforcement reports, Joseph Voigt admitted to the shootings, stating that his father had been pressuring him to stop playing video games and secure employment. This domestic dispute escalated into violence, leading to the tragic outcome.
Following the shootings, a Be On the Look Out (BOLO) alert was issued for Voigt’s vehicle. Orlando Police Department officers located the vehicle on International Drive in Orlando and conducted a felony traffic stop, taking Voigt into custody without incident. He was initially held at the Orange County Jail before being transferred to the Polk County Jail to face charges.
At the time of the shootings, Voigt had a criminal history that included arrests for firing a weapon in a residential area and battery. Notably, he had been released from jail on December 1, 2024, just days before the incident, after a battery arrest.
The plea agreement stipulates that Voigt will plead guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. The plea deal allows Voigt to avoid a potential first-degree murder conviction, which could have resulted in a life sentence or the death penalty.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker have both expressed their condolences to the Voigt family and emphasized their commitment to ensuring justice is served. Chief Walker highlighted the senseless nature of the crime, noting the tragic loss and impact on the surviving family members.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the case underscores the critical importance of addressing domestic disputes and mental health issues before they escalate into violence. Authorities continue to urge individuals facing familial conflicts to seek professional assistance and mediation services to prevent such devastating outcomes.
Source Links:
https://www.polksheriff.org/news-investigations/2024/12/09/son-arrested-for-murder-of-father-and-attempted-murder-of-mother
https://www.fox13news.com/news/bartow-man-kills-father-injures-mom-because-dad-wanted-him-stop-playing-video-games-get-job-pcso
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/jospeh-voigt-florida-shooting-charges-b2661648.html
https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-man-kills-father-wounds-mother-after-father-told-him-stop-playing-video-games-get-job
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0480GGmFh4
