POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his father and the attempted murder of his mother in Bartow, Florida. Authorities say the suspect, identified as Joseph Voigt, confessed to the crime after being taken into custody early Sunday morning.
The Bartow Police Department responded to a call at approximately 11:20 p.m. Saturday from 58-year-old Susan Voigt, who reported that her son had shot her and her husband, 63-year-old Marvin Voigt.
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When officers arrived, they found Marvin Voigt deceased in the driveway with gunshot wounds. Susan Voigt was discovered inside the home with a serious gunshot injury. She told officers her son had fled the scene after shooting them both. Emergency responders pronounced Marvin Voigt dead at the scene and transported Susan Voigt to the hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition.
A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert was issued for Joseph Voigt’s vehicle, which was spotted in Orlando around 2:00 a.m. on International Drive. The Orlando Police Department conducted a felony traffic stop and apprehended Voigt without further incident. He is currently being held in the Orange County Jail, awaiting transfer to the Polk County Jail.
During questioning, Voigt admitted to shooting his parents, citing ongoing disputes with his father, who had criticized him for spending excessive time playing video games and not pursuing a job. Voigt has a prior criminal record that includes arrests for firing a weapon in a residential area and battery.
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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commended the collaborative efforts that led to Voigt’s swift arrest. “Thanks to the rapid response of the Bartow Police Department, this violent and dangerous suspect was quickly apprehended. They asked for our assistance, and we were happy to oblige. My detectives will continue their thorough investigation to ensure Voigt will face the full consequences of his actions.”
Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker also expressed gratitude for the support from partnering agencies. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless shooting. We sincerely appreciate the assistance provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department, which led to the quick arrest of the suspect, Joseph Voigt.”
The investigation is ongoing, and Voigt will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later date.
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