Man Who Beheaded Father and Posted Video Found Competent, Convicted of First-Degree Murder

Gruesome Crime and Court Proceedings

• 💡 Justin Mohn is accused of murdering his father, Michael Mohn, and beheading him, then posting a video of the act on YouTube.
• ⚠️ The video, titled "Mohn's militia call to arms for American patriots," was online for several hours and gained thousands of views before being removed.
• 🎯 Mohn claimed his father, a federal employee, was a "traitor" and that the killing was a "citizen's arrest" that turned violent.
• 🔪 Prosecutors believe Mohn used a pistol, kitchen knife, and machete to decapitate his father.

Legal Strategy and Competency

• ⚖️ Despite his actions and beliefs, Mohn was declared legally competent to stand trial.
• 🧠 He opted for a bench trial, where a judge, Steven Core, would decide guilt or innocence instead of a jury.
• 🚫 The defense did not make an opening statement, and Mohn himself chose not to pursue an insanity defense, despite the judge offering it.
• 📈 Mohn's testimony, where he admitted to the killing and beheading, is being considered for potential appellate issues regarding his competency.

Evidence and Testimony

• 💔 Denise Mohn, the victim's wife and Mohn's mother, discovered the horrific scene upon returning home from work.
• 📞 The FBI had previously contacted Mohn in September 2023 regarding his online posts, which included threats against federal judges and officials.
• 🔫 Evidence presented included a blood trail, knives, bloody gloves, and surveillance video of Mohn purchasing a handgun the day before the murder.
• ✉️ Mohn also sent numerous letters from jail to various officials and media figures, including the Russian embassy and Donald Trump.

Mohn's Defense and Conviction

• 🗣️ During his two-hour testimony, Mohn delivered his own opening statement, claiming he was making a "citizen's arrest" for treason and that his father resisted.
• 💡 He stated that showing the severed head was intended to "lessen the violence if a revolution did occur" and convince people to surrender peacefully.
• 📝 A to-do list found in his bedroom, including "boom and slice," suggested premeditation.
• 🏆 Justin Mohn was convicted of first-degree murder by Judge Steven Core and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
• 😔 The judge described the crime as "unimaginable, unfathomable" and noted Mohn's "complete and utter lack of remorse."