Florida man admits to killing father, shoots mother after they told him to get off the couch and get a job

A Florida man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his father after he was asked to get a job and stop playing video games. Joseph Voight, 23, was taken into custody Sunday in Orlando. He has been booked into jail on murder and attempted murder charges, court records show. 

Authorities said Voight admitted to shooting his father, Marvin Voigt, 63, as well his mother, Susan Voight, 58, who sustained serious injuries. She was transported to the hospital in critical condition, Fox 13 reported.



The incident occurred on Saturday around 11:20 pm when Joseph Voight allegedly shot both of his parents in a fit of rage after his father asked him to get a job and make something of his life. The Bartow Police Department arrived at the Polk County home to find Marvin dead in the driveway from apparent gunshot wounds. Susan called 911 to report the crime, police said.

Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker told reporters that upon entering the residence, officers found the mother alive and "sitting up on the couch." She had been shot in the head once, he said.

Joseph fled the scene and was apprehended the next day after Orlando Police officers spotted his vehicle traveling down International Drive at 2 am in Orlando. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the suspect confessed to shooting both of his parents after his father chastised him for excessive video game play and encouraged him to get a job.

"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. "They asked for our assistance, and we were happy to oblige. My detectives will continue their thorough investigation into this crime to ensure Voight will face the full consequences of his actions."

The defendant has a prior criminal history that includes weapons and battery charges. Voight was released from jail on Dec. 1 after being charged with battery, records show.