Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Life for Beheading Father and Posting Video in Anti-Government Manifesto

A Pennsylvania man, Justin D. Mohn, 33, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole after being convicted of first-degree murder and terrorism for the brutal killing and decapitation of his father, Michael F. Mohn, 68, a longtime federal employee. This case marks the first conviction under Pennsylvania's terrorism statute.

The crime occurred on January 30, 2024, in the family's Levittown home. Mohn shot his father with a newly purchased pistol, then decapitated him using a kitchen knife and machete. He subsequently posted a 14-minute video on YouTube displaying his father's severed head while espousing violent anti-government rhetoric and calling for the resignation of federal employees. The video remained online for several hours, garnering approximately 5,000 views before being removed.

Prosecutors presented extensive evidence of premeditation, including Mohn's online writings and a USB device found in his possession containing images of federal buildings and instructions for making explosives. They argued that Mohn's actions were a calculated attempt to intimidate federal workers and incite rebellion.

Mohn was arrested later that day after scaling a fence at Fort Indiantown Gap, the state's National Guard headquarters. He was found carrying a handgun and materials related to his anti-government plans.

During the trial, Mohn testified that he believed he was conducting a "citizen's arrest" of his father for treason. He claimed the beheading was intended to send a message to federal employees.

Family members delivered emotional victim impact statements, remembering Michael Mohn as a devoted husband and father who provided unwavering support to his son. His wife, Denice, held a photo of her husband receiving the 2019 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Army Corps of Engineers, an award now named in his honor

Judge Stephen A. Corr presided over the bench trial and delivered the guilty verdict. In addition to first-degree murder and two counts of terrorism, Mohn was convicted of multiple other charges, including possession of an instrument of crime, firearms violations, criminal use of a communication facility, terroristic threats, defiant trespassing, and abuse.

District Attorney Jennifer Schorn described Mohn's actions as "unimaginable" and emphasized his lack of remorse, stating that the sentence ensures the community's safety from further harm.

Mohn's defense attorney acknowledged the difficulty of the case and noted that the decision to forego the death penalty was made after extensive discussions with the Mohn family.

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