Mother Speaks Out After 11-Year-Old Accused of Fatally Shooting Father in Perry County

Tragedy Unfolds in Perry County, Pennsylvania

An 11-year-old boy is facing homicide charges following the fatal shooting of his adoptive father inside their Perry County, Pennsylvania home.

The incident occurred in the early hours of January 13, 2026 — the same day the child, Clayton Dietz, turned 11 years old.

Clayton is currently being held in adult custody in Perry County as legal proceedings move forward.

He is charged in connection with the death of his adoptive father, Douglas Dietz, who was 54 years old.

Events Leading Up to the Shooting

Court documents describe tension in the household earlier that evening.

Clayton had reportedly become upset after his father confiscated his Nintendo Switch and instructed him to go to bed.

The gaming console, a handheld video game device, had allegedly been taken away as part of a disciplinary action.

After going to his room, Clayton is said to have later searched the home for the console.

During that search, investigators allege he found a key to his father’s gun safe inside a drawer.

Authorities state that Clayton used the key to unlock the safe, where he located a revolver.

Officials allege that the child loaded the weapon and went upstairs to his father’s bedroom.

Douglas Dietz was asleep when the shooting occurred.

The Immediate Aftermath

Following the gunshot, Clayton reportedly told his mother, Jillian Dietz: “I killed my dad. I hate myself.”

Jillian Dietz has since spoken publicly for the first time about the devastating loss.

“I’ve lost both my husband and my son. I cannot even wrap my head around it.

“I will say this… my husband was the most amazing, incredible man. We were together for 11 years.”

On the night of the tragedy, Jillian told investigators that she and Douglas had sung “Happy Birthday” to Clayton before everyone went to sleep.

Shortly afterward, she was awakened by a loud noise.

She described noticing a smell similar to fireworks.

Jillian said she nudged her husband but received no response.

Moments later, she reported hearing a sound she described as dripping water.

That sound was later determined to be blood seeping through the bedding and onto the floor.

Police Response and Investigation

Emergency responders arrived at the residence at approximately 3:20 a.m.

Officers found Clayton screaming inside the home.

Douglas Dietz was discovered with fatal injuries.

An affidavit later detailed statements allegedly made by Clayton during questioning.

When asked what he believed would happen after pulling the trigger, he reportedly said he “was mad” and he “had not thought about that.”

The case immediately drew attention due to Clayton’s age and the severity of the charge.

Legal Proceedings and Custody Status

Under Pennsylvania law, minors charged with homicide are automatically prosecuted as adults.

This process remains in place unless a judge determines otherwise during a decertification hearing.

Clayton appeared before a judge on Thursday, February 19.

During that appearance, he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

He was escorted in and out of the courtroom in handcuffs.

At one point, he reportedly told his mother that the cuffs were too tight.

No additional hearing date has been publicly scheduled.

Clayton’s attorney, Dave Wilson, has indicated that the next court appearance is expected in May.

Wilson has stated that his “goal” is to get his client “into juvenile court.”

If convicted as an adult, Clayton could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

A Family Devastated

The tragedy has left Jillian Dietz confronting an unimaginable loss.

In her public remarks, she expressed the overwhelming weight of losing both her husband and her son in a single night.

Her husband, Douglas, was remembered as a devoted partner and father.

The couple had been together for 11 years.

The night that began with a birthday celebration ended in irreversible tragedy.

What was meant to mark Clayton’s 11th birthday became the date tied to a criminal case that has drawn widespread attention.

Details from the Affidavit

Documents obtained in the investigation outline the sequence of events as alleged by law enforcement.

They describe Clayton’s reported frustration over the confiscated gaming console.

They also detail the alleged discovery of the gun safe key and the retrieval of the revolver.

The affidavit further recounts the interaction between officers and Clayton after they arrived on scene.

Statements attributed to him form part of the case now being examined by the court.

The Road Ahead

As legal proceedings continue, the case remains in its early stages.

The court will determine whether Clayton’s case remains in adult criminal court or is transferred to juvenile court.

That decision could significantly affect potential sentencing outcomes.

The legal framework in Pennsylvania mandates adult prosecution for homicide charges involving minors, subject to judicial review.

For now, Clayton remains in adult custody in Perry County.

The next expected court developments are anticipated later in the spring.

Community Impact

The circumstances surrounding the shooting have sparked conversations within the community about youth, firearms access, and family conflict.

However, the focus of the case remains on the legal process and the facts presented in court.

Investigators continue to rely on evidence gathered from the home and statements documented in official filings.

As the judicial system proceeds, the Dietz family faces the emotional aftermath of an event that changed their lives forever.

The loss of Douglas Dietz has left a void in the lives of those who knew him.

His wife’s words reflect the profound grief of a family navigating both mourning and ongoing legal proceedings.

Rest in peace, Douglas Dietz.