Son Accused of Beheading Father at Home & Posting Video Online

In a disturbing incident on January 30, 2024, 68-year-old Michael Mohn was found dead at his Levittown, Pennsylvania home. He had been shot and brutally decapitated. His father’s severed head was discovered in a plastic bag within a pot, and bloodied weapons were left behind, revealing the horrific nature of a crime that shocked neighbors and investigators alike.

The Survivor’s Role and Arrest

His son, 33-year-old Justin Mohn—a former Microsoft employee—was apprehended after authorities tracked his cell phone to Fort Indiantown Gap, a National Guard base. Justin allegedly used his father’s car in the escape and was found in possession of a handgun, images of federal buildings, and guides to explosives, suggesting deeper motives tied to anti-government sentiment.

A Disturbing Online Manifesto

Following the murder, Justin posted a 14-minute video on YouTube titled “Mohn’s Militia – Call to Arms for American Patriots.” In the footage, he holds the head of his father and declares him a traitor to the country. He reportedly urged militia members to target federal employees, including judges and law enforcement—a drastic escalation from criminal act to ideological warning.

Family Breaks Down in Court About the Father

During the trial, Michael’s wife, Denice, recounted the harrowing moment she walked into what she described as a “horror film.” Her anguished 911 call captured her panic and disbelief as she discovered her husband’s body. She testified through tears, saying she screamed upon finding the scene during her return from work.

Premeditation and Terror Charges

Prosecutors maintain Justin planned the killing ahead of time, purchasing a gun the day before the attack. He allegedly shot his father, then used a machete and a kitchen knife to decapitate him. The deliberate nature of the act, combined with the chilling video and anti-government calls, has led to charges of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, possession of a weapon for crime, and terrorism-related offenses—charges that could put him behind bars for life.

The Broader Impact of the Father & His Killing

Beyond its brutality, this crime has reignited debates on digital extremism. Moreover, the use of YouTube to distribute graphic violence and ideology evokes concerns reminiscent of terror propaganda tactics. Experts point to the terrifying power of social media in amplifying extremist messages and radicalizing individuals.

What’s Next?

Additionally, Justin Mohn’s defense has not yet presented its case. With charges spanning murder to terror conspiracy, a conviction could result in life sentences. Moreover, the proceedings continue under the watch of Judge Stephen Corr, whose courtroom is handling one of the most harrowing domestic terrorism cases in recent Pennsylvania history.

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