In Loving Memory of Douglas Dietz

In Loving Memory of Douglas Dietz

The Perry County community is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy following the death of 42-year-old Douglas Dietz of Duncannon, Pennsylvania, who was fatally shot in his own home on January 13, 2026. The incident, which occurred on the birthday of his 11-year-old adoptive son, Clayton Dietz, has left family, friends, and neighbors struggling to comprehend a loss that is both shocking and heartbreaking.

According to the Perry County District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement, troopers responded to the Dietz residence shortly after 3 a.m. following a 911 call reporting a male with a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, Douglas Dietz was found deceased in his bedroom from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. The scene revealed a tragic series of events that began after a birthday celebration for Clayton, when Douglas and his wife, Jillian Dietz, had gone to bed around midnight.

Investigators report that Jillian Dietz was awakened by a loud noise and discovered her husband unresponsive with blood on the bed. Clayton, upon entering the room, allegedly exclaimed, “My dad’s dead,” before later telling a state trooper, “I killed Daddy.” Court documents and news reports indicate that Clayton had accessed a revolver from a gun safe, allegedly searching for his Nintendo Switch at the time. Investigators allege he fired the weapon while his father was asleep, a moment that forever changed the lives of those involved.

Clayton Dietz, though only 11 years old at the time of the incident, has been charged as an adult with criminal homicide. He made his first court appearance on February 22, 2026, at the Perry County Courthouse in New Bloomfield. Defense attorney Dave Wilson has expressed the intent to seek a transfer of the case to juvenile court, emphasizing the boy’s age and the need for rehabilitation-focused proceedings. Clayton remains confined at Perry County Prison as the case proceeds.

Douglas Dietz is remembered not for the circumstances of his death, but for the life he lived and the love he shared with his family. Friends and relatives describe him as a devoted father, husband, and community member — someone whose presence brought warmth, stability, and care to those around him. His untimely passing is a profound loss, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.

The community has been left grappling with shock and sorrow, reflecting on the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of the tragic event. Support has poured in from neighbors, friends, and local leaders, all seeking to provide comfort to Douglas Dietz’s family while processing the enormity of the loss.

While the legal proceedings continue and questions about the circumstances remain, the memory of Douglas Dietz endures in the love he gave, the relationships he nurtured, and the legacy he leaves behind. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his kindness to others, and the meaningful impact he had on those fortunate enough to know him.

May Douglas Dietz rest in eternal peace. May his family find strength and comfort in their memories of him, and may his life continue to be honored and cherished by all who loved him. 🕊️