Houston Man Charged with Murder After 11-Year-Old Shot in Prank
URGENT UPDATE: A tragic incident in Houston has led to murder charges after an 11-year-old boy was shot and killed during a ‘ding-dong ditch’ prank. Authorities confirm that Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, was charged with murder following the fatal shooting of Julian Guzman on Saturday, September 2, 2025.
Witnesses reported that Guzman was running away after ringing doorbells in the neighborhood when he was shot. Law enforcement officials stated that Guzman, who was pronounced dead the following day, was engaged in a harmless prank when the tragedy unfolded. A neighbor described the shocking moment, saying, “He was just a kid having fun.”
According to police, Leon Jr. was detained at the scene but was released shortly after. He was later taken into custody by the Houston Police Department’s SWAT team and is now booked in the Harris County Jail. Authorities have indicated that they do not believe Leon acted in self-defense. Houston Police Department Sgt. Michael Cass emphasized, “In my opinion, it doesn’t look like any type of self-defense. It wasn’t close to the house, so it’ll more than likely be a murder charge.”
This incident has raised significant concerns about safety and gun violence, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton addressing the implications of new laws in the state. He stated, “We must ensure the safety of our children and communities.”
This heart-wrenching event follows a similar incident in Frisco, Texas, where Damon Wolfe, 58, allegedly shot at teenagers participating in the same prank on July 28. Wolfe was charged with three counts of aggravated assault, highlighting a troubling pattern of violent responses to youthful pranks in the area.
As the community mourns the loss of Julian Guzman, a makeshift memorial has been set up at the site of the shooting, where friends and family gather to honor his memory. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for conversations around gun safety and the consequences of firearm use in non-life-threatening situations.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this case. Community members are urged to stay informed as updates develop. The implications of this tragic event will likely resonate throughout Texas and beyond, prompting calls for reform and greater awareness of youth safety.
As the investigation continues, many are left questioning: what does this mean for our communities and the safety of our children? The community is seeking answers and justice for Julian Guzman, as they grapple with the emotional impact of this devastating loss.
