Joseph David Voigt, a 23-year-old man known for his avid interest in video games, has been apprehended by authorities in Polk County, Florida, on suspicion of shooting his parents. The arrest followed an incident in which Voigt’s father had reportedly encouraged him to seek employment. Voigt is currently being held in the Orange County Jail.
The Bartow city police were the first to arrive at the Voigt family home on Saturday night. Upon arrival, they found Marvin Voigt, 63, dead in the driveway from an apparent gunshot wound. His wife, 58, was also discovered at the scene, injured but alive. She identified their son as the assailant and informed the police that he had fled the scene.
The injured woman is currently in critical but stable condition. After the suspect fled, the Bartow police requested assistance from the sheriff’s office. A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert was issued for Voigt in Polk County and the surrounding areas.
Voigt was later found in Orlando on International Drive. Local police conducted a traffic stop and arrested him. He was taken to the Orange County Jail on Sunday, where he is awaiting extradition on charges of murder and attempted murder.
During the investigation, Voigt admitted to shooting both his parents. He stated that his father had been urging him to find a job and to reduce the amount of time he spent playing video games. Voigt’s criminal history includes previous arrests for discharging a firearm in a residential area and battery.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd praised the quick response of the Bartow Police Department in apprehending the suspect. He also expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the Orlando Police Department. Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker expressed his condolences over the tragic incident and thanked the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department for their support in the case.