Houston Man Accused of Fatally Shooting 11-Year-Old Playing ‘Ding-Dong Ditch’ Faces Capital Murder Charges

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A Houston man has been charged in the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy who was playing a prank known as “ding-dong ditch.” Authorities said the suspect allegedly waited in the dark for the children to return before opening fire.

The victim, Julian Guzman, 11, was shot and killed on Saturday while running away after ringing doorbells in the neighborhood. Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, was arrested over the holiday weekend and initially charged with murder. On Wednesday, a district court judge set his bond at $1 million. Prosecutors confirmed they are preparing to upgrade the charge to capital murder.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare told local media that investigators believe Leon deliberately waited outside his home for the children. “This was someone brutally murdering an 11-year-old simply because they were mad,” Teare said in an interview with KRIV-TV.

According to investigators, Guzman and his cousin had rung Leon’s doorbell multiple times before running away. When they returned to the property, Leon allegedly emerged from a gate and opened fire. Guzman was struck in the back as he fled.

The cousin told police that Leon first fired a shot into the ground before turning the weapon on the boys. Guzman collapsed shortly after being hit, reportedly pleading for help before losing consciousness. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound.

Authorities recovered at least 20 firearms from Leon’s residence, including a medium-caliber handgun believed to be the murder weapon. Prosecutors said the evidence supports allegations of premeditation.

Teare emphasized the broader danger of using firearms in anger, noting that the prank the children played has been around for decades. “We have a little boy who didn’t even have a chance to get his life going yet, struck down for nothing,” he said.

The case has sparked outrage in the Houston community, with residents expressing shock at the fatal escalation of a childhood prank. Legal experts note that if convicted of capital murder, Leon could face a life sentence without parole or the death penalty under Texas law.

Leon appeared in court on Wednesday for a bond hearing. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence in the case.