A 42-year-old man in Houston, Texas, Gonzalo Leon Jr., is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing an 11-year-old boy, Julian Guzman, who was playing the "ding dong ditch" prank. This tragic incident occurred on Saturday night when Guzman and a group of friends were ringing doorbells and running away, a prank that has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok.
According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded to a call just before 11:00 PM local time and found Guzman with gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.
Witnesses reported that Leon allegedly came out of his house and opened fire on the fleeing children. "A witness says someone ran out of that house and was shooting at the kids running down the street, and unfortunately, sadly enough, one of the boys, who was 11 years old, was shot in the back,” stated HPD Homicide Detective Sgt. Michael Cass.
Leon was taken into custody on Tuesday by HPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics Detail and Criminal Apprehension Team and booked into the Harris County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest the shooting was not an act of self-defense.
This is not the first incident of violence stemming from the "ding dong ditch" prank. In May, a Virginia man was charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting a teenager who was filming a TikTok video of himself playing the prank. In 2023, a California man was found guilty of murder for killing three teenage boys after they rang his doorbell and ran.
The Dangers of Viral Pranks
These incidents highlight the potential dangers of viral pranks and the importance of responsible behavior. While "ding dong ditch" may seem like harmless fun, it can escalate quickly and have devastating consequences.
Community Response
The Houston community is reeling from this tragedy. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Guzman's family with funeral expenses. The incident has sparked a debate about gun control and the responsibility of homeowners in such situations.
- Always consider the potential consequences of your actions.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
- If you feel threatened, contact the authorities.