The mother of an 11-year-old accused of shooting his father as he slept over a video game console argument has given her first statement to the press.
At the time of writing, Clayton Dietz is being held in adult custody in Perry County, Pennsylvania. He is charged with homicide relating to the death of his adoptive father, Douglas Dietz.
Harrowing reports detail how the fatal shooting occurred in the early hours of January 13, 2026 – the same day Clayton turned 11.
The Sun published a court document claiming that Clayton had grown distressed after Douglas, 54, took away his Nintendo Switch, a handheld video gaming console, and told him to go to bed.
Clayton, it’s said, later went searching for his console within the home. He found a key to his father’s gun safe in a draw, proceeded to unlock it, and discovered a revolver.
Officials allege that the 11-year-old loaded the weapon and made his way up to Douglas’ room, where he shot his adoptive father dead as he slept. He then reportedly told his mother, Jillian Dietz: “I killed my dad. I hate myself.”
Jillian has now spoken out for the first time, telling The Sun: “I’ve lost both my husband and my son. I cannot even wrap my head around it.
“I will say this… my husband was the most amazing, incredible man. We were together for 11 years.”
Jillian told police that she and Douglas had sun “Happy Birthday” to Clayton on the night of the tragedy, before they all went to bed. After being woke my a loud noise, she described a smell akin the fireworks. She nudged her husband but he didn’t respond.
As per The Sun, Jillian said she then heard a sound like dripping water – this was Douglas’ blood seeping through the sheets and pattering on the floor.
Police, having responded to the home at approximately 3:20AM, found Clayton screaming and Douglas fatally wounded.
According to the affidavit obtained by WGAL 8, cops asked Clayton what he thought would happen when he pulled the trigger. He is alleged to have replied that he “was mad” and he “had not thought about that.”
Under Pennsylvania law, children facing homicide charges are automatically tried as adults before a decertification hearing.
Clayton went before a judge on Thursday, February 19, waiving his right to a preliminary hearing. The young boy was handcuffed as cops led him in and out of the courtroom; at one point he complained to his mother that the cuffs were too tight.
No new hearing date has been set, though Clayton’s attorney, Dave Wilson, anticipates they will return to court in May. If convicted as an adult, Clayton could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Wilson told local reporters that his “goal” is to get his client “into juvenile court.”
Rest in peace, Douglas Dietz.
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