An 11-year-old boy, Clayton Dietz, faced court for the first time on Thursday after allegedly fatally shooting his father in their Pennsylvania home nearly a month ago. This incident, which took place on January 13, also coincided with the boy’s birthday. Clayton has been charged as an adult with murder relating to the death of his adoptive father, Douglas Dietz, who was 42.
Court documents indicate that Clayton waived his preliminary hearing on February 19, leading to his case being transferred to civil court. Since January 13, he has been held in custody at Perry County Jail without bail.
According to reports from local station WHP, Clayton entered the Perry County Courthouse in New Bloomfield around noon for a scheduled 1:30 p.m. hearing—his hands were cuffed, and he was escorted by probation officers.
Following the shooting, no comments were made by the family. However, defense attorney Dave Wilson expressed intentions to have the case moved to juvenile court, aiming for a different legal approach.
Details of the event leading up to the shooting have emerged. Authorities responded to the home shortly after 3 a.m. on January 13 and found Douglas lying on his back with a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators noted that Clayton’s mother, Gillian, had celebrated Clayton’s birthday just before the tragedy unfolded. She recalled being awakened by a loud sound and discovering her husband unresponsive, prompting a frantic reaction from Clayton.
Reportedly, during an interaction with a state trooper, Clayton admitted, “I killed my dad.” Investigators learned that he unlocked a gun safe after finding the key while searching for a stolen Nintendo Switch. After retrieving a revolver from the safe, he reportedly loaded it and shot his father while he slept.
Additionally, observations were made regarding injuries on Clayton, including a large bruise above his left eye and a small cut on his lower lip. The district attorney’s office reported that police discovered Douglas Dietz deceased at the scene, which continues to be under investigation.
Clayton Dietz still faces murder charges as an adult, and further developments in the legal process are anticipated as the defense pursues a juvenile court hearing.
