Man accused of beheading father and posting video of his severed head to stand trial
Context:
Justin D. Mohn, a Pennsylvania resident, is on trial for the murder of his father, whom he allegedly shot and decapitated, and for posting a video of the severed head online. The video also contained anti-government rhetoric, and Mohn allegedly sought to incite violence against the federal government, as evidenced by his attempt to enlist the Pennsylvania National Guard in his cause. Upon his arrest, Mohn was found with a USB device containing images of federal buildings and instructions for making explosives. His defense attorney indicated that a plea deal is unlikely, as Mohn has shown no intention of admitting guilt. This case has drawn attention due to Mohn's extremist views and his bizarre behavior, including writing to Russia for asylum and claiming to be a czar.
Dive Deeper:
Justin D. Mohn is accused of murdering his father, Michael F. Mohn, by shooting him and subsequently decapitating him with a kitchen knife and machete. The gruesome act was documented in a 14-minute video that was posted online before being removed.
In addition to murder charges, Mohn faces accusations related to abuse of a corpse and terrorism, stemming from his alleged calls for others to help him overthrow the U.S. government. His actions included attempting to enlist the Pennsylvania National Guard in his cause.
At the time of his arrest, Mohn was carrying a handgun and had climbed a 20-foot fence at Fort Indiantown Gap, hoping to convince soldiers to mobilize against the federal government. This highlights the serious threat he posed, according to authorities.
Mohn's extremist views were not only evident in his actions but also in his writings and online posts, which included rants about government policies, immigration, and international conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
The bizarre nature of the case is further underscored by Mohn's letter to Russia's ambassador, in which he sought asylum and apologized to President Putin, claiming to be the czar of Russia. This was revealed during a competency hearing.
Michael Mohn, the victim, was a respected engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and his son’s actions have been described as a betrayal by Justin, who viewed his father as a traitor to his extremist beliefs.
Defense attorney Steven M. Jones has stated that the case is unlikely to be resolved with a plea deal, indicating that Mohn may contest the charges despite the substantial evidence against him, including the video and his possession of explosive instructions.