Joe's health is failing. He'll probably die before he can be punished for his crimes, even though his son might be luckier and get punishment before he dies.
Why do I think it is better to get punishment than die without punishment? Because the punishment will come either way. Any punishment done here by men will be far less than the punishment that God will do in the judgment.
If Joe would simply take his punishment here, God would accept what punishment the people gave Joe. But if he doesn't get his punishment here, it will have to be meted out in the resurrection by God... just to balance things and make them even.
So, actually we should pray that Joe gets his punishment here, so that it won't be so bad for him in the resurrection.