Justin Mohn convicted of murdering father and posting video online

In January 2024, Justin Mohn, a 33-year-old man from Levittown, Pennsylvania, fatally shot his father, Michael Mohn, 68, accused of acting under delusions about his father's alleged treason. He subsequently decapitated him and posted a video depicting the severed head on YouTube. The brutal act was described by prosecutors as a method to intimidate federal employees, as Justin sought to send a message related to his violent anti-government rhetoric and demands. His parents had been financially supporting him as he searched for employment, which adds a tragic dimension to the family's dynamic leading up to the incident. After shooting his father with a newly acquired pistol, Justin attempted to escape by scaling a fence at Fort Indiantown Gap. He had been arrested shortly thereafter while in possession of a USB drive containing alarming materials related to federal buildings and explosives. The case has garnered attention not only due to the horrific nature of the crime but also due to the elements of mental health and the influence of extremist views evident in Justin's behavior. The bench trial culminated in a verdict issued by Judge Stephen A. Corr, who ruled that Justin's actions stemmed from a cold, calculated plan rather than a legitimate act of self-defense or citizen's arrest as claimed by the defendant. The video uploaded by Justin was available for several hours before its removal, further shocking the public and law enforcement. Family members, including Justin's mother, testified about the difficulties surrounding his mental state, with warnings issued to him prior to the incident regarding his violent postings online. The trauma of these events continues to resonate within the community, raising questions about mental health, family dynamics, and the impact of violent rhetoric in today's society.