Man accused of murder after shooting 11-year-old following a 'prank' involving ringing the doorbell and running away

A Houston man, Gonzalo Leon Jr, has been charged with murder following the shooting death of Julian Guzman on Saturday evening. According to Houston police Sgt Michael Cass, the incident occurred after Leon came out of his home and fired down the road, hitting Guzman who was participating in a prank known as "ding dong ditching."

The shooting took place on Sunday, and Guzman died of his wounds on Monday. Local property records show that Leon is the owner of the home where the prank occurred.

Leon, a 42-year-old man from Houston, was taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail in Houston on Wednesday. A makeshift memorial, including a cross, prayer candles, flowers, and a photo of Julian Guzman, has been set up about a half block away from Leon's home and where Guzman collapsed after being shot.

Messages on the memorial read, "I love you Julian. You will always be in my heart. Rest In Peace Baby Mom." and "I miss you Julian. I still wish you were here but I will always love you 4ever."

This tragic incident brings to mind similar cases in recent years. In 2023, a Southern California man was convicted of first-degree murder for killing three teenage boys after they rang his doorbell as a prank. In May, a Virginia man was charged with second-degree murder for shooting an 18-year-old who rang his doorbell while filming a TikTok video.

However, Sgt Cass stated that the shooting doesn't appear to be self-defense and was not close to the house. The search results do not contain information about the owner of the house where Guzman was injured during the prank.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from seemingly harmless pranks. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Julian Guzman during this difficult time.

Man accused of murder after shooting 11-year-old following a 'prank' involving ringing the doorbell and running away