PA Boy Killed His Dad After Video Game Taken Away, Reports Say

PERRY COUNTY, PA — An 11-year-old boy is facing murder charges after authorities said he fatally shot his father in their Perry County home, according to reports citing court documents and police.

Douglas Dietz, 42, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the head after police were called to his Duncannon home on Tuesday, WHTM reported.

According to court documents obtained by WGAL, Dietz's wife was asleep when a loud noise woke her up. Police said the boy then entered the bedroom and shouted, "Daddy’s dead." Troopers also said they heard Clayton tell his mother, "I killed Daddy."

Authorities interviewed the boy, who told them he was mad when his dad told him to go to bed, reports said. He then admitted to shooting someone and thinking about shooting his father.

According to reports, the boy found the key to the family's gun safe as he looked for his Nintendo Switch, which had previously been taken away from him. He reportedly told police took the gun from the safe, loaded it and fired it at his father.

In an interview with WGAL, family friend David Stuckey said the boy had autism, which escalated in 2025. Despite specialized education and interventions at school, Stuckey said the family never saw this coming.

"The two loved each other. They had a great father-son bond. It's picturesque," Stuckey said.

Court records indicate the boy was taken into custody and charged with criminal homicide. He was denied bail and is being held at the Perry County Prison, where a hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22.