On July 22, 2019, Duane A. Dettinger, a 48-year-old male, was killed in his home in Warrington Township, Pennsylvania. An avid hunter and fisherman, he worked as a machinist at Slothower Machine Shop in York. His life was cut short in a violent encounter with his own son.
That night, his son, Wyatt Dettinger, was in what he described as a 'fit of rage' in his bedroom. When Duane came in to tell him to stop, an argument ensued. After his father left the room, Wyatt fired a.
243 caliber long rifle through the wall, striking his father. He then entered the hallway where his father lay on the floor and shot him a second time. During his trial, Wyatt claimed his father 'never paid attention' to him.
Following the shooting, Wyatt fled the scene in a red Mazda sedan with a 17-year-old. Carroll Township Police quickly located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Wyatt attempted to escape on foot but was apprehended by police, who found him in possession of the long rifle.
Wyatt Dettinger was charged with the murder of his father. In December 2023, he was convicted of first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. On February 6, 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
