An 11-year-old boy from Pennsylvania is facing a criminal homicide charge after state police say he admitted to shooting and killing his father, allegedly in retaliation for having his Nintendo Switch gaming console confiscated.
A Tragic Discovery in Duncannon Borough
According to court records obtained by WGAL News 8, police were called to a home in Duncannon Borough, Pennsylvania, at approximately 3:20 am on 13 January. The location is roughly 94 miles west of Allentown.
Officers discovered Douglas Dietz, 42, deceased from a gunshot wound to the head inside the bedroom he shared with his wife. The room connects to their son's bedroom via a closet.
The victim's wife told investigators she was awakened by a loud noise and detected an odour similar to exploded fireworks. She attempted to rouse her husband without success and initially heard what she thought was dripping water, later realising it was blood.
The Boy's Alleged Admission and Motive
Court documents state that the couple's son, Clayton Dietz, 11, then entered the room and yelled, "daddy's dead." Responding state police officers reportedly heard the boy tell his mother, "I killed daddy."
The shooting occurred on the boy's birthday, shortly after his parents had sung 'Happy Birthday' to him just after midnight and sent him to bed. Clayton allegedly became angry when his father insisted he go to sleep.
During police questioning, the boy reportedly stated, "I shot somebody." He explained that his father's firearm was stored locked elsewhere in the house, but he had located the key in his father's drawer.
Clayton told police he was actually searching the gun safe for his confiscated Nintendo Switch when he found the weapon. He admitted to removing the gun, loading it with bullets, and walking to his father's side of the bed.
"He pulled back the hammer and fired the gun at his father," the court documents state. When asked what he thought would happen upon pulling the trigger, Clayton reportedly said he was "mad, and he had not thought about that."
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
The 11-year-old was arrested and formally charged with criminal homicide. He was denied bail and is being held at the Perry County Prison. His next hearing is scheduled for 22 January.
It was reported that the couple adopted Clayton in 2018. In the wake of the tragedy, the local Susquenita School District issued a statement acknowledging the incident's profound impact on the close-knit community.
"Our school counselors and psychologists are available to provide support to any students in need," the district said, offering resources to those affected by the shooting.
