A Texas man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing an 11-year-old boy who was playing a “ding dong ditch” prank in Houston over the weekend. Police arrested Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, on Tuesday morning and booked him into the Harris County Jail.
He faces a murder charge following the death of Julian Guzman, who was struck by gunfire late Saturday night. According to Houston police, Guzman had been ringing doorbells along the 9700 block of Mimbrough and running away when he was shot.
Witnesses reported seeing him flee a home moments before collapsing from a gunshot wound. The child died the next day at a local hospital. Homicide Detective Sgt. Michael Cass told KHOU 11 that investigators did not believe Leon acted in self-defense.
“In my opinion, it does not look like any type of self-defense. It wasn’t close to the house, so it’ll more than likely be a murder charge,” Cass said. Police also confirmed that several other weapons were discovered inside Leon’s home during the investigation.
The incident has once again placed national attention on the dangers of gun violence connected to common pranks. Ding dong ditch, also known as knock knock ginger, involves ringing a doorbell or knocking loudly before running away. While typically harmless, recent cases have turned deadly.
In May, a 17-year-old Virginia boy was shot and killed while filming a ding dong ditch prank for TikTok with friends. Local authorities said homeowner Tyler Chase Butler opened fire, killing Michael Bosworth Jr. and injuring another teenager. Butler was charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The Virginia shooting took place around 3 a.m. in Spotsylvania County after a 911 call reported a suspected burglary in progress. Deputies arriving at the scene found Bosworth and another youth with gunshot wounds. Bosworth later died in the hospital, while the second teenager was treated and released. A third juvenile escaped without injury.
In Houston, Guzman’s killing has rattled the community and reignited debate about the responsibilities of homeowners and the risks faced by children engaging in pranks. Authorities said the investigation remains active but stressed that evidence does not support any claim of an immediate threat to Leon Jr.
Leon remains in custody as prosecutors prepare formal charges. If convicted, he could face life in prison.