Because nothing says “I’ll show you responsibility” like committing a felony.
Bartow, FL – In what might be the most Florida Man way to avoid adulting, 23-year-old Joseph Voigt allegedly shot both of his parents—killing his father—after being told to gasp get a job and stop playing video games all day.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident went down like this:
- Dad: “Son, maybe put down the controller and find employment?”
- Joseph: Loads gun
- Dad: Dies in driveway
- Mom: Gets shot but survives because Florida moms are built different
After the shooting, Joseph apparently decided the best course of action was to flee toward Orlando—because if you’re going to run from the law, you might as well do it near Disney World. Unfortunately for him, Orlando PD spotted his car on International Drive (probably trying to hit up a late-night arcade) and arrested him without further incident.
Sheriff Grady Judd, never one to miss a chance for a dramatic soundbite, praised law enforcement for their quick response, adding that Joseph will now face “the full consequences of his actions.” Those consequences likely include trading in his gaming headset for an orange jumpsuit.
This isn’t Joseph’s first rodeo with the law—his rap sheet includes firing a gun in a residential area (practice for this moment?) and battery (anger issues much?). Now he’s chilling in the Orange County Jail, waiting to be transferred back to Polk County, where he’ll probably have a lot of time to reflect on his life choices.
Meanwhile, his mom is in critical but stable condition, proving once again that Florida parents are tougher than most people’s will to live.
Moral of the story? If your kid spends all day gaming, maybe just unplug the Wi-Fi instead of telling them to get a job. It’s safer that way.