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Man who posted video of father’s severed head online is found guilty of murder

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Original Story by ABC News
July 11, 2025
Man who posted video of father’s severed head online is found guilty of murder

Context:

A Pennsylvania man, Justin D. Mohn, was convicted of murdering his father and sentenced to life in prison without parole after posting a video of the severed head on YouTube. Mohn shot his father, decapitated him, and uploaded a 14-minute video ranting about government issues, intending to intimidate federal workers. He was arrested at a National Guard base with explosive-making instructions and had previously expressed anti-government views online. The trial revealed a history of warnings and financial support from his parents, despite the violent content Mohn shared online. The murder was described as a calculated act to convey a message, with Mohn deemed competent to stand trial during a bench proceeding with graphic evidence presented.

Dive Deeper:

  • Justin D. Mohn was convicted of murdering his father by shooting him and then decapitating his head, which he subsequently posted on YouTube, resulting in a life sentence without parole.

  • The video Mohn uploaded contained rants against the government and was part of his attempt to send a message by calling for the resignation of federal workers, highlighting his extreme anti-government stance.

  • Mohn was apprehended at Fort Indiantown Gap, found with a USB containing plans for explosives, and had a history of online writings expressing violent anti-government rhetoric.

  • His mother testified during the trial about prior police warnings regarding his online behavior and the support his parents continued to provide him, including financial assistance.

  • The trial was a bench trial with graphic evidence, including the YouTube video, where Mohn was deemed mentally competent to stand trial despite a bizarre letter to Russia's ambassador.

  • Mohn's father, Michael F. Mohn, was portrayed as a supportive parent and a dedicated federal employee with decades of service, contrasting the accusations made by his son.

  • The murder was described by prosecutors as a 'cold, calculated, organized plan' aimed at intimidating federal workers, drawing parallels to horror film scenarios.

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