by Duncannon, Pennsylvania — An 11-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting his adoptive father inside their Perry County home is now moving toward an adult trial after waiving his preliminary hearing.
Clayton Dietz, 11, is charged as an adult with criminal homicide in the Jan. 13 death of his adoptive father, 42-year-old Douglas Dietz, according to court records.
The shooting occurred at the family’s home in Duncannon in the early morning hours — just hours after the family had celebrated the child’s birthday.
Case Moves to Court of Common Pleas
According to a Perry County criminal docket, Clayton waived his preliminary hearing on Feb. 19, and the case was marked “waived for court,” meaning it will now proceed to the Court of Common Pleas.
Court records show that bail was denied on Jan. 13, and the child remains confined at Perry County Prison.
Clayton arrived at the Perry County Courthouse in New Bloomfield handcuffed and surrounded by probation officers ahead of the scheduled hearing.
Family members declined to comment following the proceeding.
Defense attorney Dave Wilson told reporters he plans to request that the case be transferred to juvenile court.
“My goal is going to be to try to get him into juvenile court,” Wilson said.
What Investigators Allege Happened
According to court documents, authorities were dispatched to the home shortly after 3 a.m. on Jan. 13.
Responding troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police found Douglas Dietz lying on his back with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
Jillian Dietz, Douglas’ wife and Clayton’s mother, reportedly told investigators that she and her husband had gone to bed shortly after midnight after singing “Happy Birthday” to Clayton.
She said she woke to a loud noise and attempted to wake her husband, only to discover he was unresponsive and bleeding, according to the affidavit.
When Clayton entered the bedroom, Jillian allegedly yelled words to the effect of “Daddy’s dead.” The child reportedly ran downstairs shouting that his father was dead.
A state trooper later reported hearing Clayton say, “I killed Daddy,” while in the kitchen with investigators, according to court records.
Alleged Motive and Statements
Investigators allege Clayton told authorities he had been searching for his Nintendo Switch, which had previously been taken away from him.
According to court records, Clayton allegedly found keys to a gun safe and believed the gaming console might be inside. He reportedly opened the safe, retrieved a revolver and later loaded it.
Court documents state that during questioning, Clayton said he became upset after being told to go to bed.
When asked what he thought would happen after firing the gun, he allegedly told investigators that he was angry and did not consider the consequences.
According to records, Clayton admitted that “he had someone in mind who he was going to shoot” and that he pulled back the hammer and shot his father while he was sleeping.
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Authorities also documented that Clayton had a large contusion above his left eye and a small laceration on his lower lip.
What Happens Next
The Perry County District Attorney’s Office previously confirmed that troopers responded to the home for a report of a man with a gunshot wound and found Douglas Dietz deceased.
Clayton remains charged as an adult with criminal homicide. The defense is expected to pursue a transfer to juvenile court, but for now, the case will proceed through the adult court system.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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