Pennsylvania Mom Speaks Out After Husband Fatally Shot by 11-Year-Old Son Over Nintendo Switch

An 11-year-old boy in Pennsylvania is accused of killing his adoptive father after his Nintendo Switch was taken away on his birthday, authorities said. The boy’s mother has now spoken publicly about the incident.

Jullian opened up to The U.S. Sun about the incident that unfolded on January 13. “I’ve lost both my husband and my son. I cannot even wrap my head around it,” she said. “I will say this.. my husband was the most amazing, incredible man. We were together for 11 years.”

The accused, Clayton Dietz, is being held in adult custody in Perry County, Pennsylvania, on a homicide charge following the death of his adoptive father, Douglas Dietz, 54.

Authorities said Clayton Dietz told authorities that after being told he could not have his Nintendo Switch, he began searching for it on the day of the killing. Investigators said he later located the keys to his father’s gun safe, opened it and loaded a revolver before shooting his father Douglas Dietz as he slept.

Clayton Dietz, who was adopted by the couple in 2018, told investigators he did not think of the consequences before firing the gun. He told his mother, “I killed my dad. I hate myself.”

Jillian Dietz said she woke after hearing a loud noise and rushed to her husband. She tried to wake him up, but he did not respond. She initially thought she heard dripping water before realizing it was his blood soaking through the sheets.

Jillian’s best friend, Raechal Stepp, spoke about what her friend is enduring in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“Her husband may be gone, but her son is still here, and she loves him very much despite everything. He’s a child.”

Stepp also shared her memories of Douglas Dietz, describing him as a kind and devoted partner and father.

“All I can really say is Doug was a sweet soul. I didn’t know him as well as I would have liked to, but I do know that he loved my best friend with all his heart. He was always very hard working, funny, and very laid back.”

“He showed Jill what real love was like; he loved her unconditionally, and he was a great dad to Clayton.”

“They always showed up for him and fought for him. Jill is an amazing woman.”

Stepp called the crime “tragic,” adding, “Unfortunately, this could happen to anybody in the blink of an eye, and in one second anybody’s world could be completely shattered.”

She also expressed hope about how the case will proceed, saying, “I’m looking forward to this moving to juvenile court.”

Calyton Dietz’s defense attorney requested that the case be moved to juvenile court.

In Pennsylvania, children charged with homicide are automatically filed in adult criminal court because murder is excluded from juvenile jurisdiction.

Although another hearing has not been scheduled, his attorney said they expect to appear in court in May. Clayton Dietz could face life in prison without the possibility of parole, The Sun reported.