A Houston man has been charged with murder in connection to the death of an 11-year-old boy. The boy was fatally shot after ringing the man's doorbell and running away, a prank commonly referred to as "ding dong ditch." Authorities announced the charges on Tuesday.
Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, was taken into custody by the Houston Police Department. A probable cause hearing was scheduled for the same day in the 177th District Court in Harris County, Texas.
The incident occurred late Saturday night in an east Houston neighborhood. Julian Guzman, the 11-year-old victim, and several friends had approached a home and rang the doorbell shortly before 11 p.m. According to police, the boy was running away from the house when he was shot.
A witness reported hearing a gunshot while running away with the boy. The witness then turned back and saw a person, described as wearing all black, extend their arm and fire another shot towards the boy. The boy subsequently collapsed, calling for help.
5 Comments
Bermudez
A sad outcome, but let’s not forget the right of a homeowner to defend their property.
Habibi
We shouldn't jump to conclusions; there may be more to this story than meets the eye.
Katchuka
This is just proof that our society is sick when an innocent child can be shot for ringing a doorbell.
Leonardo
A prank can have serious repercussions; sometimes people overreact in alarming ways.
Michelangelo
We need stricter gun laws to prevent tragedies like this. No child should be in danger for having fun!