Cincinnati, OH – A horrifying tragedy unfolded in a quiet neighborhood outside Cincinnati, leaving a community reeling and a father facing the death penalty. Chad Doerman, 32, stands accused of the cold-blooded murder of his three young sons: Clayton, 7, Hunter, 4, and Chase, 3.
The Clermont County courtroom was filled with palpable grief and anger as Prosecutor Mark Tekulb detailed the horrific events of June 15, 2023. Doerman is accused of lining up his three sons and systematically executing them with a rifle.
“[The prosecution’s] goal is to have this man executed for slaughtering these three little boys,” stated Prosecutor Tekulb.
Doerman has pleaded not guilty to nine counts of aggravated murder, four counts of felonious assault, and eight counts of kidnapping. If convicted, he faces the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
The harrowing 911 calls painted a chilling picture of the scene. The boys’ mother, who remains unidentified, frantically called for help, screaming that her children were not breathing. Another caller reported a young girl, presumably the boys’ sister, saying, “Dad is killing everyone.”
Prosecutors allege that Doerman shot his wife in the hand before turning the rifle on his sons. The eldest boy, Clayton, attempted to flee but was shot twice in the back as he ran. Doerman is then accused of approaching his injured son and shooting him twice in the head.
A Community in Mourning
The small community is struggling to come to terms with the unimaginable loss. The boys’ obituary described them as vibrant and loving children. Clayton loved Legos and telling jokes, Hunter enjoyed playing in the creek and catching frogs, and Chase, affectionately known as “Chasers,” loved swinging and dreamed of being a baseball player like his older brothers.
Three young boys smiling, two wearing baseball uniforms.
A joint funeral service for the three brothers was held on Monday evening, drawing hundreds of mourners. The outpouring of grief and support from the community reflects the profound impact this tragedy has had on so many lives.
Justice for Clayton, Hunter, and Chase
Doerman is currently being held without bail in the Clermont County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and the prosecution is meticulously building their case. The trial is expected to be lengthy and emotionally charged as the community seeks justice for Clayton, Hunter, and Chase.
