An Ohio man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his three young sons. Chad Doerman, 33, committed the heinous act on June 15, 2023, when he retrieved his firearms from his gun safe and fatally shot his sons, Clayton, 7, Hunter, 4, and Chase, 3. Before the act, he expressed his love for them, calling them the “best boys ever.”
Doerman was apprehended at the scene and subsequently charged with three counts of aggravated murder, among other lesser charges. He pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to three consecutive life terms, with an additional 16 years for assault charges related to injuries inflicted on his wife and stepdaughter.
The tragic incident occurred at the family’s residence in Monroe Township, located 20 miles east of Cincinnati. Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney Mark J. Tekulve provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the murders. According to Tekulve, Doerman had a cryptic phone conversation with his father on the day of the murders, hinting at his sinister intentions.
After returning home from work, Doerman had lunch with his wife, Laura, and spent the afternoon engaging in ordinary activities such as yard work and playing with his children. However, his behavior took a dark turn when he began reading the Bible to his son Hunter and mumbling to himself.
Laura became alarmed when Doerman opened the gun safe at 4 p.m., to which he responded that he was “just playing around.” Shortly after, he initiated his violent rampage, shooting his sons one by one. Laura attempted to call 911, but Doerman seized the phone and threw it across the room before proceeding with his horrific act.
Laura’s older daughter, Alexis, managed to escape the house and alert a neighbor, who called the police. Laura was injured during the incident when a bullet struck her hand. Following the sentencing, Laura expressed her agreement with the court’s decision, stating that it brought some closure for her and her daughter.
In a heartfelt statement, Laura asked the public to remember her sons for their love of fishing, go-carting, and swimming, and not just for the tragic circumstances of their deaths. She expressed her love for her sons and stated that no punishment could ever bring them back, but the assurance of Doerman’s lifelong imprisonment was the best outcome for her family.