Florida gamer confesses to murdering father and wounding mother

Joseph David Voigt (Orange County Jail).

The video game fan who shot his parents in Polk County, Florida, after his father told him to get a job has pleaded guilty.

24-year-old Joseph David Voigt has confessed to the shooting of his 63-year-old father, Marvin Voigt, resulting in his death, and causing injury to his 58-year-old mother. Initially facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder, Joseph Voigt has now pleaded guilty to these charges in the second degree, according to court records.

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The defendant faces between 26 years and life in prison when he’s sentenced, per records. A sentencing date has yet to be set.

Authorities were alerted when police in Bartow responded to the Voigt residence on Dec. 7. Upon arrival, the lifeless body of the elder Voigt was discovered in the driveway, having suffered apparent gunshot wounds. His wife was found inside the home also with injuries. She informed the officers that their son had shot them before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, she survived the attack.

Following the suspect’s escape, Bartow police sought assistance from the sheriff’s office. A region-wide search was conducted, and eventually, law enforcement located Voigt’s vehicle on International Drive in Orlando. Local police officers carried out a traffic stop and subsequently arrested him. He was taken into custody at the Orange County Jail and later transferred back to Polk County.

“PCSO deputies spoke to Voigt and he admitted to shooting both his father and mother,” deputies wrote. “He said his father was upset with him about spending the majority of his time playing video games and ‘riding his a—’ about making something of himself and getting a job. Joseph Voigt’s criminal history includes arrests for firing a weapon in a residential area, and battery.”