Houston man charged with murder in shooting of 11-year-old boy after doorbell prank
Share this @internewscast.com

A Houston man has been charged with murder after an 11-year-old boy was fatally shot while playing a prank by ringing a doorbell and running away, police announced Tuesday.

The individual, 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr., was apprehended and is currently in custody at the Harris County Jail in Houston. Housing records indicate Leon as the homeowner of the residence where the boy is believed to have rung the doorbell.

Court records did not list an attorney for Leon to comment on the allegations.

Police stated that the young victim, Julian Guzman, was participating in a prank known as “ding dong ditching” late Saturday night, where someone rings a doorbell and quickly runs off before anyone answers.

“A witness reported that the suspect came out, ran into the street, and began shooting down the road,” explained Houston police Sgt. Michael Cass during a press briefing on Sunday.

The boy, who was shot in the back, died of his wounds Sunday, police said.

“In my opinion, it doesn’t look like any type of self-defense. It wasn’t close to the house,” Cass said.

In memory of Guzman, a makeshift memorial was created about half a block from where he collapsed. It includes a cross, prayer candles, flowers, and a photo of Julian.

Messages written on the cross express sentiments like, “I miss you Julian. I still wish you were here but I will always love you forever” and “I love you Julian. You will always be in my heart. Rest In Peace, Baby Mom.”

Other “ding dong ditch” pranks have turned deadly in the past. In 2023, a Southern California man was convicted of first-degree murder for killing three teenage boys by intentionally ramming their car after they rang his doorbell as a prank.

In May, a Virginia man was charged with second-degree murder for shooting an 18-year-old who rang his doorbell while a filming a TikTok video, the New York Times reported.

___

Associated Press photographer David J. Phillip contributed to this report.

___

Follow Juan A. Lozano:

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jaguars, Firehouse subs announce new menu item

Jaguars and Firehouse Subs Introduce Fresh Menu Choice

The Jags Stack will be available for a limited time at all…
Final preparations for trial of man accused of attempting to assassinate Trump in Florida

Last Steps in Trial Preparation for Man Charged with Attempted Assassination of Trump in Florida

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — Ryan Routh, charged with attempting to assassinate…
Father leads international effort to find a cure for son’s brain tumor

Devoted Father Launches Global Mission to Find Cure for Son’s Brain Tumor

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital estimates that about 400,000 children worldwide will receive…
ICE is showing up to interview parents hoping to reunite with their children who entered US alone

ICE Conducts Interviews with Parents Aiming to Reunite with Children Who Entered the U.S. Alone

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — The Trump administration has implemented a new policy…
Brunswick community mourns girl’s death amid gun violence concerns

Community in Brunswick Heartbroken by Loss of Young Girl, Raises Alarms Over Gun Violence

A faith leader called for unity after a 14-year-old girl was shot…
Nestlé dismisses CEO after an investigation into a relationship with a subordinate

Nestlé CEO Removed Following Investigation into Workplace Relationship

On Monday, Swiss multinational Nestlé announced that CEO Laurent Freixe had been…
Another Democrat Set to Retire Amid Younger, More Progressive Push From the Base

Another Democratic Politician Announces Retirement as Younger, More Progressive Movement Gains Momentum

A veteran of the Democratic Party’s old guard is stepping down, as…
The Top 25 College Football Poll - Week #1: Just How Wrong Were the Preseason Selections?

Week 1 College Football Poll: Analyzing the Accuracy of Preseason Picks

Week 1 of the college football season has wrapped up, with results…
ICE in Chicago: Donald Trump's immigration crackdown could start this week ahead of Mexican Independence Day 2025 celebrations

Immigration Raids in Chicago: Trump’s Crackdown May Begin Before 2025 Mexican Independence Day Festivities

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the city prepares for an ICE increase and…
DCPS board to vote on HQ changes

DCPS Board Set to Decide on Headquarters Modifications

DCPS is considering moving its headquarters, which could potentially provide millions for…
Miami airport chaos as woman grabs crying child from mother, wraps legs around boy to prevent escape

Turmoil at Miami Airport: Woman Seizes Crying Child from Mother, Restrains Him with Legs

<!–> Woman’s intense airport incident documented on camera A video showed a…
FEMA, IEMA, US SBA, more to survey Chicago, Illinois, Cook County after August flooding damage for possible funding

FEMA, IEMA, US SBA, and other agencies to assess flood damage in Chicago and Cook County from August for potential funding assistance.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Assessment teams will be surveying parts of Chicago and…