Houston Man Charged with Murder in Teen’s Fatal “Ding Dong Ditch” Shooting

A Houston man, Gonzalo Leon Jr., was charged with murder after shooting and killing an 11-year-old boy during a ‘ding dong ditch’ prank on Saturday. The incident occurred on Racine Street, and the boy, Julian Guzman, was taken to a hospital where he died Sunday. The shooting happened as the boy and friends were playing the prank near a house, with witnesses saying Leon opened fire as the boy ran away. Police say the shooting was not self-defense, as it was not close to the house. This tragic event highlights the dangers of social media-driven pranks, which have previously led to deaths in other states.

Leon, 42, was booked into Harris County jail Monday. Police say he shot the boy as he ran from the house after ringing doorbells. Witnesses reported that Leon fired after the boy was fleeing, and the shooting was not justified as self-defense. The incident is part of a disturbing trend linked to social media challenges like TikTok, where such pranks have previously resulted in fatalities. In May, a Virginia teen was shot during a similar prank, and in 2020, three teens were killed in California after a man retaliated for a prank. Houston police continue investigating the case, emphasizing the serious risks of these dangerous stunts.

• Gonzalo Leon Jr. was charged with murder on September 2, 2025.
• The victim, Julian Guzman, died after being shot during a prank on Racine Street.
• Witnesses say Leon fired as the boy ran away, not in self-defense.
• This incident adds to a pattern of deadly social media pranks causing fatalities.

The case highlights the need for awareness about the risks of dangerous pranks promoted online, especially among youth.

Authorities urge parents and communities to educate children on the real dangers of such stunts to prevent future tragedies.