Houston Man Charged With Murder After Killing 11-Year-Old During Door-Knocking Prank

HOUSTON, Texas — A 42-year-old Houston man has been charged with murder after police say he shot and killed an 11-year-old boy who was playing a door-knocking prank outside his home.

Victim Identified as Julian Guzman

Authorities identified the victim as Julian Guzman, who was attending a birthday party with his cousin on Saturday night. According to a probable cause affidavit, the two boys became bored and decided to play “ding dong ditch,” a prank in which someone knocks on a door or rings a bell before running away.

Shooting Caught Witness Accounts

Police say the homeowner, Gonzalo Leon Jr., came outside after repeated knocks and fired a shot into the ground before raising his pistol toward the children.

“Our witness says the suspect came out of the door, ran out into the street and was firing down the road,” said Houston police Sgt. Michael Cass.

Guzman’s cousin told investigators that Julian cried out in pain after being hit. The boy was shot in the back and collapsed a short distance from the home, where he later died.

Police Reject Self-Defense Argument

Investigators said the shooting occurred well away from Leon’s home, undermining any self-defense claim.

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

Police seized 20 firearms from Leon’s residence, including AR-style rifles, shotguns, and pistols.

Castle Doctrine and Legal Analysis

Texas law follows a “castle doctrine” principle, allowing residents to use force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves, others, or their property. However, legal experts note the law requires an imminent threat.

Houston attorney Seth Kretzer, not involved in the case, said:

“You just can’t shoot a kid in the street dead because he knocks on your doorbell and declare you felt threatened by him. It’s hard to believe a grown male with a gun felt threatened by an unarmed 11-year-old child running away.”

Community Mourning

A makeshift memorial has formed near the site where Guzman collapsed, featuring flowers, prayer candles, and messages like “I miss you Julian. I will always love you forever”.

The case has drawn national attention as another tragic example of pranks escalating into deadly violence. Leon remains in custody at the Harris County Jail as the investigation continues.

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