11-Year-Old Faces Murder Charge After Fatal Shooting

An 11-year-old boy in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, faces serious charges following an incident on his birthday, January 13. Authorities arrested Clayton Dietz that day, accusing him of criminal homicide. The investigation began early in the morning when police responded to a report of an unresponsive male at a South Market Street residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered 42-year-old Douglas Dietz deceased from a gunshot wound to the head.

According to an affidavit, the boy's mother stated that after singing happy birthday, she was awakened by a loud noise and discovered her husband bleeding. She reported seeing Clayton in a closet, who then exclaimed, "he's dead." The boy allegedly told police he became angry when his father took away his Nintendo Switch and ordered him to bed. He claimed to have retrieved a gun from a safe, loaded it, and fired at his father.

Clayton Dietz, who was adopted in 2018, is being held without bail. His next court date is scheduled for Thursday, January 22. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly given the age of the accused and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. The legal proceedings will determine the path forward for the young defendant.