A disagreement broke out between a father and son in Pennsylvania over the family’s vehicle, and the father is accused of waiting 12 hours before calling 911 while watching “religious videos.” He then shot and killed his son.
In connection with the demise of his son, John A. Gustites, 42, prosecutors have charged 67-year-old John F. Gustites with murder, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, and simple assault.
The shooting occurred on Saturday morning after the elder Gustites heard their kid chase a cat around their room, which woke them up between 8 and 9 a.m., according to Skook News, citing court documents. In response to his son’s demand for the family automobile, the father allegedly entered his son’s room to retrieve the feline. A disagreement ensued between them. After returning to his son’s room, the older Gustites allegedly took out a.357 Magnum handgun.
According to court documents, the younger Gustites was shot in the head after he reached for a screwdriver that had been stashed on his bedpost and went to confront his father.
According to local ABC affiliate WNEP, citing court documents, the elder Gustites allegedly told investigators that he considered suicide and did not immediately contact the police.
Rather, he reportedly spent hours watching religious videos before contacting the authorities (Skook News).
A news release from the police stated that Chief Chris Dimmick of the East Union Township Police Department was sent to a residence on Franklin Street at 8 p.m. in response to a shooting complaint. Located over a hundred miles northwest of Philadelphia is East Union Township.
The chief showed up to find the elder Gustites seated on the porch, where he had been arrested. In the bedroom, investigators discovered the body of his son, who had been shot in the face.
The accused supposedly admitted to authorities that he must have pulled the trigger, but said he couldn’t remember doing so. He reportedly told WNEP that he heard his son make a “gurgling” sound, which led him to believe that his son had passed away.
A bond of $250,000 was posted for the suspect, who was being held at the Schuylkill County Prison. According to online court records, his court appearance is scheduled for October 10th.