By In a tragic and chilling case, Chad Doerman, 33, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the execution-style killings of his three young sons. Prosecutors, after reviewing the case, decided not to pursue the death penalty following Doerman’s guilty plea to three counts of murder.
Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Richard Ferenc delivered the sentence on Friday, condemning Doerman to three consecutive life terms for the murders of his sons: Clayton, 7; Hunter, 4; and Chase, 3. During the court proceedings, prosecutors revealed that they had agreed to forgo the death penalty in exchange for Doerman’s guilty plea. Judge Ferenc noted that the victims’ family had consented to this plea agreement.
In addition to the murder charges, Doerman pleaded guilty to two counts of felonious assault for the shooting of his wife, Laura Doerman. Laura attempted to protect one of her children by placing her thumb over the barrel of the rifle used in the shootings. Clermont County Prosecutor Mark Tekulve described Laura Doerman’s heroic but ultimately futile efforts to save her children, stating that there was nothing she could have done to prevent the tragedy.
Laura Doerman’s emotional statement read in court expressed her profound grief and anger. She stated, “I will never in a million years ever forgive you for what you have done, and hope you pay for your actions like you deserve, but I will never hate you,” as reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer.
The details of the killings, as recounted by Prosecutor Tekulve, were harrowing. On June 15, 2023, Chad Doerman returned home early from work and took a nap with his sons. Upon waking, he retrieved his rifle from a gun safe, loaded it, and shot Hunter twice. Laura Doerman, who attempted to administer aid, was unable to prevent further violence. As Clayton fled through the back door, Doerman followed and fatally shot him.
Laura Doerman’s 14-year-old daughter witnessed these horrific acts. After witnessing Hunter’s death, she followed Clayton and Chad Doerman from the house. She saw Doerman shoot Clayton in the head and then hurried back to grab Chase. In a desperate attempt to save her brother, the girl was forced to drop Chase when Doerman threatened her. Despite her efforts, Doerman reloaded his weapon and, after a struggle, fatally shot Chase.
Doerman later admitted to authorities that he had been contemplating killing his sons for months, an obsession that had deprived him of sleep and heavily burdened his mind. In court, Doerman, dressed in a pale blue button-down shirt, confirmed the accuracy of the prosecutor’s statement of facts. His defense team, who had previously considered a not guilty by reason of insanity plea, indicated that Doerman was delusional at the time of the murders.
The case has shocked the community and underscored the profound impact of the crime on the victims’ family. The court’s decision ensures that Doerman will spend the rest of his life behind bars, reflecting the gravity of the heinous acts he committed.
