Houston Man Charged With Murder After Shooting 11-Year-Old Boy During Door-Knocking Prank
HOUSTON — A 42-year-old Houston man has been charged with murder after police say he fatally shot an 11-year-old boy who was playing a doorbell-ringing prank outside his home.
The Shooting
The victim, identified as Julian Guzman, was attending a birthday party with his cousin on Saturday evening when the two boys decided to play “ding dong ditch.” The prank involves knocking or ringing a doorbell and running away before the homeowner answers.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Guzman and his cousin repeatedly knocked on the door of Gonzalo Leon Jr.’s home. Witnesses said Leon eventually emerged armed with a firearm, first firing a shot into the ground before turning the weapon toward the children.
Sgt. Michael Cass of the Houston Police Department stated that Leon then ran into the street and fired down the block, striking Guzman in the back. The child collapsed shortly after and was later pronounced dead.
Investigation and Firearms Seized
Police confirmed Leon owned the home where the shooting occurred. Inside, officers discovered an extensive collection of firearms, including AR-style rifles, shotguns, and pistols.
While Texas law allows homeowners to use deadly force under the castle doctrine, legal experts said the circumstances do not appear to meet that threshold.
Attorney Seth Kretzer, speaking on 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 Reaction
Neighbors and family members set up a makeshift memorial near the scene, with crosses, candles, and handwritten messages remembering Julian.
“I miss you Julian. I will always love you forever,” one note read at the vigil.
The tragedy has shaken the Houston community and sparked national conversations about gun violence, self-defense laws, and youth safety.
Broader Concerns About Pranks and Violence
This is not the first time a so-called prank has turned deadly. Across the U.S., police have reported similar incidents where young people ringing doorbells, playing hide-and-seek, or approaching homes have been met with gunfire.
Law enforcement agencies in multiple states have issued public service announcements urging parents to talk with children about the dangers of pranks and reminding homeowners to call 911 instead of resorting to violence.
The case remains under investigation. Leon is being held at the Harris County Jail and faces a charge of murder. Prosecutors say additional charges could follow as the case develops.
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