Illinois Man Fatally Shoots Half-Brother Over COVID-19 Vaccine Argument

A man from Southern Illinois has allegedly shot his half-brother to death over an argument about the COVID-19 vaccine.

The man, identified as 68-year-old Larry D. Cavitt, of Goreville, was charged in Johnson County Court Monday with murder and aggravated battery with the use of a firearm in connection with the death of his half-brother, 51-year-old Joseph E. Geyman.

The incident reportedly took place at around 11:45 p.m. Saturday in the 6000 block of Dutchman Lake Road. The two men, who lived next door to each other, were arguing about the COVID-19 vaccine when Cavitt pulled out a 9mm handgun and fatally shot Geyman in the head, reported NBC Chicago.

No physical altercation occurred between the two prior to the shooting, Johnson County Sheriff Pete Sopczak said.

Geyman was married and had four children. According to Sopczak, he is remembered as a great family man who was planning to retire in December.

"It just makes no sense," Sopczak told The Southern Illinoisan. "Joe Geyman was one of the greatest guys around."

Cavitt posted his bail set at $750,000 and was released Tuesday from the Massac County Jail. A judge ordered him to possess no firearms and have no contact with Monica Geyman, the victim's widow and their four children.

The preliminary hearing of the incident is scheduled for Sept. 15, WSILTV said in a report. It is not clear if Cavitt has an attorney who would be speaking on his behalf.

The Johnson County Sheriff's Department and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are now investigating the tragic incident. Those who have information about the shooting can get in touch with the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 by dialing 618-542-2171 Extension 1207.

Last month, a 19-year-old man fatally shot his 26-year-old brother at an apartment complex in Georgia, following a verbal argument. The suspect reportedly called 911 and claimed he had fired at someone who had tried to break into his home. Responding officers found the suspect kneeling beside his brother. They also recovered the gun lying on the ground a few feet away. The suspect was then charged with murder.