Gonzalo Leon Jr.
Share this @internewscast.com

(NEXSTAR/AP) – In Houston, a man is facing charges after allegedly shooting and killing an 11-year-old boy who had been playing a doorbell-ringing prank and then running off.

Leon Gonzalo Jr., 42, was charged Monday with murder, according to the Houston Police Department.

Gonzalo Leon Jr.
Leon Gonzalo Jr. (Houston Police Department)

The boy was participating in this prank late on Saturday night, as confirmed by the Houston Police Department. After being shot once, he was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead on Sunday, according to authorities.

Known as “ding dong ditching,” this prank involves ringing a doorbell and fleeing before the door is answered. A witness noted that the boy was running away from the residence when the shooting occurred, police stated.

Gonzalo was booked into the Harris County Jail. Police spokesperson Shay Awosiyan said that officers were still investigating.

There have been other tragic consequences from such pranks. Earlier, in 2023, a man in Southern California was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder. He deliberately crashed into a vehicle carrying three teenagers who had played the prank at his residence.

Additionally, in May, a man in Virginia was accused of second-degree murder for shooting an 18-year-old during a TikTok video capture of the same prank, as reported by the New York Times.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Benson Boone's 'Wanted Man' tour is heading to Jacksonville

Benson Boone’s ‘Wanted Man’ Tour Set to Electrify Jacksonville: Don’t Miss Out!

Benson Boone is set to dazzle fans at the Vystar Veterans Memorial…
Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in Iran war: defense minister

Spain Shuts Airspace to US Military Aircraft Amid Rising Tensions with Iran, Announces Defense Minister

Spain has taken a significant step by shutting its airspace to American…
No Kings Rally turns violent and woman dressed as Statue of Liberty is arrested

Violence Erupts at ‘No Kings’ Rally; Woman Dressed as Statue of Liberty Detained

A tumultuous rally dubbed “No Kings” erupted in Downtown Los Angeles on…
Second Riker's inmate dies in less than week

Rikers Island Faces Scrutiny as Second Inmate Death in a Week Sparks Concern

Tragedy struck Riker’s Island once again as an inmate passed away on…
Eric Swalwell furious after Kash Patel pushes to release files of Chinese spy linked to him

Eric Swalwell Expresses Outrage as Kash Patel Advocates for Release of Files Tied to Chinese Spy Allegations

Congressman Eric Swalwell, a prominent Democratic contender in the California gubernatorial race,…
Terrorist attack on Paris Bank of America branch thwarted before bomb detonated: report

Swift Action Prevents Bombing at Paris Bank of America Branch: Authorities Avert Terrorist Attack

In a dramatic turn of events, Paris police successfully thwarted a terror…

BMW Driver in Heated Road Rage Altercation in Newport Beach

A driver of a BMW has been arrested after being caught on…
US allows Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba amid blockade as Trump says island ‘has to survive’

US Greenlights Russian Oil Tanker’s Arrival in Cuba Amid Blockade, Trump Advocates for Island’s Survival

The United States is set to permit a Russian oil tanker, laden…
Air Canada CEO steps down amid backlash over apology video after LaGuardia plane crash

Air Canada CEO Resigns Following Controversial Apology Video Post-LaGuardia Crash

Michael Rousseau, CEO of Air Canada, has announced his decision to step…
Air Canada flight attendant who was ejected during LGA crash seen in hospital for first time

Air Canada Flight Attendant Hospitalized After LaGuardia Crash: First Public Sighting Revealed

The world got its first glimpse of Solange Tremblay, an Air Canada…
DCPS to 'adjust' relocation plans after prospective developers back out

Ex-DCPS School Officer Arrested Over Alleged Inappropriate Relationship with Student

An officer from the Duval County School District was taken into custody…
Over 2 dozen children among 33 bodies pulled from Kenyan mass grave: authorities

Authorities Discover 33 Bodies, Including Over 24 Children, in Kenyan Mass Grave

In a shocking discovery on Thursday, at least 33 bodies, including those…