Duncannon, United States. An 11-year-old boy appeared in a Pennsylvania court in handcuffs and under guard, charged with shooting and killing his stepfather at the family home following a dispute over a gaming console. Authorities said the incident occurred on January 13 in Duncannon, north of Harrisburg.
Charges and court proceedings
Clayton Dietz faces a homicide charge and is expected to be tried as an adult. He was led into the Perry County Court in handcuffs, according to the report.
What authorities allege happened
Authorities said the child was searching for his Nintendo, which his parents had removed and placed inside a safe alongside a revolver. The minor allegedly found the keys to the safe, opened it, and took the firearm.
According to the case file, he loaded the revolver and walked to the bed where his 42-year-old stepfather, Douglas Dietz, was sleeping, then cocked the gun and shot him in the head.
Police response and statements in court records
Police arrived at the home at about 3:20 a.m. following reports of a shooting. Officers found the 42-year-old with a gunshot wound to the head, while the 11-year-old was reportedly screaming.
According to court documents, the child shouted that his father was dead and allegedly told his mother that he had killed him. During interrogation, when officers asked what he thought would happen when he fired, he replied that he was angry and did not think about the outcome.
Testimony from the victim’s wife
The victim’s wife testified that she woke up to a loud noise and a smell like fireworks. She tried to wake her husband but he was unresponsive. She then heard a sound like dripping water and realised it was blood soaking through the sheets.
Background and ongoing investigation
The child was adopted in 2018. The case has renewed debate in the United States about minors’ access to firearms and trying children as adults for serious crimes. Investigations are ongoing as the court determines next steps.
What changes, if any, do you think should be made to laws on minors’ access to firearms?
