What began as a disturbing online video quickly unraveled into one of the most horrifying murder cases Pennsylvania has seen in years.
Justin Mohn, a 33-year-old conspiracy theorist from Levittown, posted a grotesque video in early 2024 that sent shockwaves across the internet and ultimately led to his arrest for the murder of his own father.
Now, more than a year later, justice has caught up with him.
Life Sentence for a Calculated Killing
On Friday, a Bucks County jury found Justin Mohn guilty of first-degree murder for the brutal slaying and decapitation of his 68-year-old father, Michael Mohn.
Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr handed down a life sentence without parole.
But that wasn’t all—this wasn’t just a murder case.
Mohn became the first person in Pennsylvania to be convicted on terrorism-related charges under state law.
A Gruesome Crime Scene and a Disturbing Video
Authorities say Mohn not only shot and decapitated his father but also filmed himself holding the severed head and posted the footage on YouTube, calling for violent action against the federal government.
The video was quickly removed, but not before it left a digital scar.
Michael Mohn had served in the Army and later worked for the Army Corps of Engineers.
That connection made him a symbolic target for his son, who had developed a deep hostility toward the federal government.
Evidence That Painted a Dark Mindset
Prosecutors didn’t just rely on the shocking video.
They also presented DNA evidence, Mohn’s handwritten jail confessions, and online searches that revealed a long-standing obsession with violence and extremism.
More than 15 witnesses took the stand to tell the story of a man spiraling into a dangerous ideology.
Bucks County detectives even found a detailed “battle plan” at Mohn’s home, which outlined instructions for creating explosives and included a list of people he viewed as traitors.
A Mother’s Nightmare
In heartbreaking courtroom testimony, Justin’s mother, Denice, described the moment she found her husband’s mutilated body in their home.
Her screams were so loud that a neighbor rushed over and called 911.
The court played the 911 recording, filled with Denice’s agonizing cries in the background.
Denice shared that her son had struggled to keep a job and blamed the federal government for his failures.
Despite his instability, she and her husband had allowed him to live at home.
Her victim impact statement was gut-wrenching.
“I am tortured at knowing what Justin was capable of doing to his father, who had unconditional love for him,” she said.
“I hope Justin is never given another opportunity to hurt anyone or spread his hateful beliefs.”
Siblings Speak Out
Justin’s sister, Stephanie, also delivered an emotional statement.
She said the whole family felt “violated” by the calculated betrayal and the public horror of the video.
“My whole family feels violated by the defendant’s extremely calculated and premeditated betrayal,” she said, adding that it was terrifying to realize her own brother was capable of such horror.
Their brother, Zachary, spoke about the values their parents lived by and how those were completely disregarded by Justin.
He said any expression of remorse from Justin would just be manipulation.
The Chilling Online Trail
Investigators revealed that Mohn had been planning some form of attack for at least five years.
His digital footprint included extremist writings, plans for violent acts, and a “to-do list” that even mentioned killing his father.
In the YouTube video, played in court, Mohn declared himself the leader of “Mohn’s Militia” and called for a revolution, targeting federal officials with threats and hatred.
It was a window into a deeply disturbed and dangerous mindset.
Mohn’s Outlandish Defense
During the trial, Mohn took the stand and gave his version of the events.
He claimed he had intended to perform a “citizen’s arrest” on his father, whom he accused of treason.
He alleged that the situation escalated when his father threatened to kill him.
Despite confessing to the shooting and beheading, Mohn insisted he didn’t mean to kill.
Prosecutors rejected that claim outright.
First Assistant DA Edward Louka called it “complete and utter nonsense,” arguing that Mohn ambushed his father and used the murder as a tool to further his twisted ideology.
No Regret, No Remorse
When given the chance to show remorse, Mohn refused.
Instead, he again blamed the federal government for what happened.
“I don’t feel guilty for what I did,” he said in court.
“But I am sorry my family went through what they did because of the federal government’s actions and my reaction to it.”
In a final chilling moment, he even warned Judge Corr that “God would judge him.”
A Defense Focused on Avoiding Death Penalty
Outside the courtroom, Mohn’s attorney, Steve Jones, admitted the case was horrific.
He emphasized that while the facts were horrifying, their legal team managed to spare Mohn from a death sentence.
“The key takeaway is that Justin is still alive,” Jones told reporters.
He said Mohn’s behavior and beliefs were serious, but that his legal team would continue to support him if he chose to appeal.
Jones also pointed to Mohn’s mental health issues, though that didn’t excuse the level of violence he committed.
A Final Word from the Prosecutors
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn released a statement after the verdict.
“The conviction of Justin Mohn closes a dark chapter, but the scars left by his monstrous actions will undoubtedly remain,” she said.
“While we cannot undo the pain inflicted, we hope this verdict provides some measure of justice and closure for Michael Mohn’s family.”
The trial may be over, but the haunting memory of what happened inside that Levittown home—and the betrayal at its core—will linger for a long time.