Clayton Dietz, an 11-year-old boy, is accused of shooting his adoptive father, Douglas Dietz, in their home in Perry County, Pennsylvania after reportedly arguing over a Nintendo Switch video game console.
Authorities allege that the boy took a key to his father’s gun safe, loaded a revolver, and shot Douglas while he was sleeping on January 13, 2026 — the same day Clayton turned 11. After the incident, Clayton allegedly told his mother, “I killed my dad. I hate myself.”
Clayton is being held in adult custody and faces homicide charges. Under Pennsylvania law, he is automatically tried as an adult unless the case is moved to juvenile court. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole.
The boy’s mother said she has lost both her husband and son and described Douglas as an “amazing” man. No new court date has been set, though defense attorneys are seeking juvenile court proceedings.