Child Accused of Killing Father Appears in Perry County Court
Reporting includes information from CBS21 News.
Perry County, PA — An 11‑year‑old boy charged with killing his father made a brief but emotionally charged appearance in Perry County court on Thursday, marking the latest development in a case that has drawn statewide attention due to the child’s age and the disturbing circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to reporting from CBS21 News, the boy — identified by authorities as Clayton Dietz — is facing a criminal homicide charge in the death of his father, Douglas Dietz, who was found shot to death in their home last month. Prosecutors allege that the child located a firearm while searching for his Nintendo Switch inside his father’s safe, loaded the weapon, and then shot his father while he slept.
A Somber Court Appearance
During Thursday’s hearing, Clayton was brought into the courtroom in shackles and handcuffs, a sight that underscored the gravity of the charges despite his young age. His appearance lasted only a short time, but it was enough to highlight the unusual and deeply troubling nature of the case…