Marvin Voigt Obituary, Bartow, FL – A tight-knit Bartow neighborhood was thrust into shock and mourning after a devastating family tragedy unfolded late Saturday night. A 63-year-old man lost his life, and his wife remains in critical condition, following a shooting perpetrated by their own son, 22-year-old Joseph Voigt. The incident has left the community grappling with the horror of violence that struck so close to home.
On the night of December 7, 2024, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Susan Voigt, 58, made a desperate call to 911. Her voice trembling with pain and fear, she reported that her son had shot both her and her husband, Marvin Voigt, after an argument spiraled into a horrifying act of violence.
When officers from the Bartow Police Department arrived at the family’s home, they were met with a grim scene. Marvin Voigt was discovered lying lifeless in the driveway, his body bearing the unmistakable marks of gunshot wounds. Inside the house, Susan Voigt was found critically injured but alive, clinging to hope amidst her anguish.
Emergency responders from the Bartow Fire Department and EMS pronounced Marvin Voigt dead at the scene. Susan was rushed to a local hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition, according to medical staff.
The suspect, Joseph Voigt, fled the scene in a vehicle after the shooting, sparking an immediate manhunt. A “Be On the Look Out” (BOLO) alert was issued to law enforcement agencies across Polk County and beyond. Approximately three hours later, at 2:00 a.m. on December 8, Orlando Police officers located Voigt’s vehicle on International Drive. Conducting a felony traffic stop, they apprehended the suspect without further incident. He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail and will soon be transferred to Polk County Jail to face charges.
During questioning by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Voigt admitted to the shootings. Authorities revealed that his frustration over what he described as his father’s persistent criticism about his lifestyle—particularly his lack of direction and excessive time spent on video games—boiled over into deadly rage.
Sheriff Grady Judd commended the swift and coordinated efforts that led to the suspect’s capture, emphasizing the importance of ensuring justice for the victims.
“Thanks to the rapid response of the Bartow Police Department, this violent and dangerous suspect was quickly apprehended,” Judd stated. “My detectives will continue their thorough investigation into this crime to ensure Voigt will face the full consequences of his actions.”
Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker also expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless shooting,” Walker said. “We sincerely appreciate the assistance provided in this case, which led to the quick arrest of the suspect, Joseph Voigt.”
The shooting has left friends and neighbors struggling to process the loss of Marvin Voigt, described by those who knew him as a kind and hardworking man. Susan, now fighting for her life, is remembered as a devoted mother and wife who always carried herself with grace.
As the investigation continues, the tragic incident has shone a light on the mental and emotional struggles that can simmer behind closed doors. Joseph Voigt’s history of prior arrests, including charges of firing a weapon in a residential area and battery, paints a troubling picture of unresolved issues that may have contributed to the events of that fateful night.
“This is a heartbreaking example of how anger and unresolved conflict can lead to unspeakable tragedy,” said a local crisis counselor familiar with the case. “It’s a wake-up call for communities to address the importance of mental health and conflict resolution before things escalate beyond control.”
As Bartow mourns the loss of Marvin Voigt and prays for Susan’s recovery, one thing is certain: the community is united in its resolve to support one another through this difficult time. Authorities vow to bring justice to the victims, ensuring that their suffering will not be forgotten.
Further details are expected as law enforcement works tirelessly to piece together the full story behind this harrowing family tragedy.
