A shocking case of alleged patricide has emerged from Pennsylvania, where an 11-year-old boy stands accused of shooting his father dead after a confrontation over a video game console.
A Birthday Tragedy Unfolds
According to official documents obtained by WGAL News 8, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The victim, Douglas Dietz, 42, was found dead in his bedroom on South Market Street with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Police were called to the scene at approximately 3:20 am after reports of an unresponsive male.
The tragedy unfolded on what was supposed to be a day of celebration—the birthday of the accused, Clayton. Authorities state that just hours before the shooting, Clayton's parents had sung 'Happy Birthday' to him. The situation escalated, however, after the boy's father told him to go to bed.
The Alleged Sequence of Events
Court affidavits paint a chilling picture of the events. Clayton allegedly became 'mad' at the bedtime instruction. It is understood he then located a key to his father's drawer, unlocking a safe in a search for his Nintendo Switch, which had been taken away from him.
Instead of finding the console, the boy allegedly removed a gun, loaded it with bullets, and walked to his father's side of the bed. The bedrooms were connected by a closet. Clayton is then accused of firing a single shot at his sleeping father.
Douglas's wife, who has not been publicly named, told investigators she was awoken by a loud noise that smelled like fireworks. After discovering her husband was unresponsive, she initially heard what she thought was dripping water. Turning on the lights revealed it was blood.
Arrest and Community Shock
Officers at the scene reported hearing the young boy tell his mother, 'I killed Daddy'. Clayton himself allegedly entered the room shouting 'Daddy's dead' and later admitted to officers, 'I shot somebody'. The affidavit states he identified his father as the intended target.
Pennsylvania State Police took the 11-year-old into custody and charged him with criminal homicide. He was denied bail and is being held at Perry County Prison ahead of a hearing scheduled for January 22.
The news has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community, where neighbours described the family as 'nice' and 'kind'. It was also revealed that Douglas and his wife had adopted Clayton in 2018. Police noted the mother was aware a gun was in the bedroom but did not know where the key was kept.
