An 11-year-old boy from Perry County, Pennsylvania, has been charged with criminal homicide after authorities say his father was shot and killed inside the family home.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the boy is accused of fatally shooting his father, Douglas Dietz, 42, while he was asleep in the bedroom he shared with his wife. Court documents obtained by local NBC affiliate WGAL News 8 state that the child, identified as Clayton Dietz, is now being held in Perry County Prison following the incident.
The shooting occurred on January 13, which was the boy’s birthday. Investigators say the events unfolded late that night, shortly after the family had finished celebrating together.
Night of the shooting described in court documents
According to legal filings reviewed by WGAL News 8 and reported by ABC Eyewitness News, Clayton told investigators that he had a good day with his parents before being told to go to bed.
Police said the boy had his Nintendo Switch taken away shortly before the incident. When his father told him it was time to go to sleep, investigators said he became angry.
Authorities allege that Clayton later found a key to a gun safe in his father’s drawer while searching for the gaming device. According to the affidavit, he unlocked the safe, removed a firearm, and loaded it.
Court documents state that he then walked to his father’s side of the bed, pulled back the hammer, and fired the weapon while Douglas Dietz was sleeping.
Investigators say the victim’s wife told officers she was awakened by a loud noise and a smell that reminded her of fireworks.
According to the affidavit, she tried to wake her husband but he did not respond. She initially believed she heard water dripping before turning on the light and realizing the sound was blood seeping through the bedding.
Police said the boy entered the room and told her, “Daddy’s dead.”
When investigators asked Clayton about what happened, the court affidavit states that he admitted to shooting his father and said he had been angry at the time.
Court appearance and legal proceedings
According to reporting from CBS affiliate WHP, Clayton Dietz appeared in court in New Bloomfield, about 30 minutes outside Harrisburg. During the brief proceeding, he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
His attorney, Dave Wilson, told reporters that he intends to pursue having the case transferred to juvenile court. However, under Pennsylvania law, homicide charges are initially handled within the adult criminal justice system.
The 11-year-old remains in custody at Perry County Prison while the case moves forward through the courts.
A neighbor, identified by WGAL News 8 as Jesse Weldon, told reporters the family had appeared quiet and kind. “I mean, I didn’t talk to them much. They kept to themselves over there and just seemed pretty nice. I didn’t expect this,” Weldon said.
Another court hearing in the case is expected as the legal process continues.
