Duncannon, Pennsylvania — A quiet Perry County community is grappling with shock and grief following a tragic incident that left 42-year-old Douglas Dietz dead and his 11-year-old son, Clayton W. Dietz, facing a criminal homicide charge. Authorities confirmed that the fatal shooting occurred in the early morning hours of January 13, 2026, inside the family’s home on South Market Street — a date that also marked Clayton’s 11th birthday.
According to information released by law enforcement and court records, emergency responders were dispatched to the residence at approximately 3:00 a.m. after a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Douglas Dietz suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later determined that the suspected shooter was Douglas Dietz’s own son, Clayton. Court documents indicate that the boy allegedly told investigators he was angry after his Nintendo game console had been taken away. In response, Clayton reportedly searched a dresser drawer, located keys to a gun safe, retrieved a revolver, and shot his father while he slept in bed.
The child’s mother, Jillian Dietz, was reportedly awakened by the sound of the gunshot. When she entered the bedroom, she found her husband bleeding. Authorities state that Clayton then entered the room and told her, “Daddy’s dead,” followed by, “I killed my dad.” Jillian immediately contacted emergency services.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the boy’s young age and the severity of the charge. Under Pennsylvania law, juveniles aged 10 and older can be tried in adult court in homicide cases. As a result, Clayton Dietz is being processed through the adult criminal justice system rather than juvenile court.
Clayton was formally charged with criminal homicide and has been denied bail. He is currently being held at the Perry County Prison pending further legal proceedings. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 22, 2026, where prosecutors are expected to present initial evidence and outline the next steps in the case.
Local residents have expressed disbelief and sorrow over the tragedy, noting that the family was previously unknown to law enforcement. Community members have begun offering support to extended relatives affected by the incident, while officials emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the family’s background or any potential history of domestic issues. Investigators continue to examine evidence from the home and are conducting interviews to better understand the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting.
As Duncannon mourns the loss of Douglas Dietz, the case raises difficult questions about juvenile justice, firearm access in the home, and the complex factors that can lead to unthinkable outcomes within a family.
