Florida man kills father, injures mother after dispute over job and video games

Joseph Voigt, 23, allegedly shot his parents, killing his father and critically injuring his mother, after job dispute

What drives a family dispute to turn deadly? In Polk County, Florida, a 23-year-old man has been accused of shooting both his parents, killing his father and critically injuring his mother, after an argument about getting a job escalated.

The incident unfolded on Saturday night when Susan Voigt, 58, called police to report that her son, Joseph Voigt, had shot her and killed her husband, Marvin Voigt, 63. Officers arrived to find Marvin lying dead in the driveway and Susan bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. She was transported to a local hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition.

Joseph fled the scene in the family car but was apprehended the following morning in Orlando. Authorities quickly tracked him down, and during his arrest, he admitted to being frustrated with his father’s insistence that he get a job and stop playing video games.

Court records reveal a history of erratic and troubling behavior by Joseph. In October 2023, he was arrested for firing a gun 15 times in a residential area, an act he later attributed to boredom. Just a week before the alleged murder, he reportedly maced two individuals who questioned his presence in their neighborhood. Despite these incidents, Bartow Police Chief Steve Walker stated, “There were no signs that would lead you to believe this would occur from this gentleman.”

Neighbors expressed shock over the crime, describing the Voigt family as “good people.” Joseph now faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

As Susan continues her recovery, the community grapples with the tragedy, and investigators piece together the events leading to this senseless act. Joseph remains in custody, with legal proceedings expected in the coming weeks.