San Diego Family Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide After Mother Sought VA Help for Husband's PTSD

A San Diego family, including a 13-year-old daughter, was found dead in their home on September 16 in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide. The discovery came just one day after the mother had sought assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs for her husband's escalating mental health issues.

Amy Voight, 54, her husband David Voight, and their daughter Mya were identified as the victims by San Diego police. According to Amy’s parents, David, a retired U.S. Navy warrant officer with approximately 30 years of service, had been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and his symptoms had recently intensified.

"You could visibly see there was something really wrong," Mary Austin, Amy’s mother, told FOX 5. "He was fidgety. You could tell."

David Voight had served in explosive ordnance disposal and had combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the family. On September 15, Amy visited a VA clinic, accompanied by her parents' encouragement, to seek help for her husband.

Jerry Austin, Amy’s father and a Navy veteran himself, recounted that his daughter asked the VA clinic staff if anything could be done to help David calm down, citing his frustration, anxiety, and depression. The family stated that Amy was informed the counselors were busy and that an appointment would be necessary.

Amy Voight was an accomplished digital forensics analyst for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and a dedicated mother, according to her parents.

The VA issued a statement asserting that the allegations regarding their services were inaccurate. VA Press Secretary Quinn Slaven stated, "All VA healthcare facilities offer same-day mental healthcare to all Veterans who request it." The agency cited privacy concerns as a reason for not commenting further on the specific case.

Jerry Austin emphasized the critical need for immediate mental healthcare access for veterans experiencing crises, contrasting the experience with his own VA clinic in Lancaster, California, which he described as "fantastic" and attentive.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.