A Florida man is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting his parents during an argument over his gaming habits and lack of a job. The shocking incident left his father dead and his mother critically injured.
It all unfolded late Saturday night in Bartow, a city in Polk County. Police say 23-year-old Joseph Voigt snapped after his father, Marvin Voigt, 63, confronted him about spending too much time playing video games and not trying to find work.
Marvin Voigt was tragically found dead in the driveway from gunshot wounds, while Susan Voigt, 58, survived but was gravely injured. She managed to call for help, and officers arrived around 11:20 p.m. to find her inside the house with a gunshot wound to the head. She was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition.
Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker described the heartbreaking scene. “They found the mother sitting up on the couch. She was alive, but she had been shot in the head,” he said. “Everything we’ve heard about this couple is that they were really good people. It’s just so sad to see something like this happen.”
After the attack, Joseph fled the scene, prompting a manhunt. His car was spotted hours later, around 2 a.m. Sunday, on International Drive in Orlando, about 60 miles away. Orlando Police quickly pulled him over and arrested him.
Authorities say Joseph confessed to shooting his parents during questioning. He admitted his father’s frustration with him—specifically about his gaming obsession and refusal to get a job—pushed him over the edge.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commended Bartow Police for their swift response. “Thanks to their quick action, this violent and dangerous suspect was caught before he could hurt anyone else,” Judd said. “Our detectives will continue digging into this case to make sure Voigt faces the full consequences of his actions.”
Joseph has a troubling past, with a criminal history that includes arrests for firing a gun in a residential area and battery. In fact, he had just been released from jail on December 1 after a battery charge. Now, he’s facing even more severe charges—murder and attempted murder—and will soon be transferred to a Polk County jail.
“This is such a senseless tragedy,” Chief Walker added. “It’s heartbreaking to think a family’s argument over something so small could end like this.”
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the shock of such a devastating and seemingly avoidable loss.
