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Pennsylvania man accused of beheading father and posting video of his severed head to stand trial

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Original Story by CNN
July 7, 2025
Pennsylvania man accused of beheading father and posting video of his severed head to stand trial

Context:

In Pennsylvania, Justin D. Mohn, 33, is set to stand trial for the murder of his father, Michael F. Mohn, following a gruesome act where he allegedly beheaded his father and posted a video of the crime online. The incident occurred in their Levittown home, with Justin's mother discovering the body. Prosecutors allege that Justin shot his father with a newly acquired pistol before decapitating him and using the video to incite others to join him in overthrowing the U.S. government. Arrested later that day while attempting to recruit the Pennsylvania National Guard for his cause, Justin was found with a USB containing federal building photos and bomb-making instructions. His defense does not anticipate a plea deal, and a previous competency hearing revealed Justin's attempt to seek asylum in Russia, along with his violent anti-government rhetoric online and in the video ranting about various political issues.

Dive Deeper:

  • Justin D. Mohn, accused of murdering his father in Levittown, Pennsylvania, faces charges including murder, abuse of a corpse, and terrorism-related offenses, following an incident where he allegedly decapitated his father and posted the video online.

  • The crime was discovered by Justin's mother in their home, where prosecutors claim he used a newly purchased pistol to shoot and then decapitate his father, Michael F. Mohn, with a kitchen knife and machete.

  • A 14-minute YouTube video, which was live for several hours, contained Justin's calls for others to join him in overthrowing the U.S. government, criticizing various government policies, and labeling his father, a federal employee, as a traitor.

  • Justin was arrested later that day after allegedly attempting to scale a 20-foot fence at the state's National Guard headquarters, with the intention of mobilizing the National Guard against the federal government.

  • Authorities found a USB on Justin containing photos of federal buildings and apparent bomb-making instructions, and his online presence included violent anti-government rhetoric and rants on topics like immigration and the war in Ukraine.

  • Defense attorney Steven M. Jones does not foresee a plea deal, and a competency hearing revealed Justin's letter to Russia's ambassador, seeking refuge and apologizing to President Putin for claiming to be a Russian czar.

  • Michael F. Mohn, the victim, was a 68-year-old engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and his son's video depicted him as a traitor due to his federal employment, adding to the complexities of the case.

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