New disturbing details surface in Houston ‘ding-dong ditch’ murder

Texas Homeowner Charged with Murder After Boy Fatally Shot

A Texas homeowner has been charged with capital murder after details emerged indicating he was waiting for the 11-year-old boy he shot during a “Ding-Dong Ditch” prank. Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, was arrested on Tuesday following the incident that took place late Saturday in East Houston.

According to police, Leon shot young Julian Guzman right after he rang the doorbell while playing pranks with friends, a trend that seems to have made a comeback on TikTok.

After a SWAT team took him into custody, Leon was booked into Harris County Jail on murder charges. Authorities revealed that he had knocked on the door multiple times, anticipating the children’s return.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Tear described the situation, stating, “This was the one who brutally murdered the 11-year-old because they were mad.” He lamented, “We had a little boy who hadn’t even had the opportunity to start his life yet.”

Records indicate that Julian’s cousin witnessed Leon emerge from the gate, firing a shot into the ground before targeting the boy. Julian had been about a block away when he was shot, and his cousin attempted to pull him to safety. Sadly, the boy was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

During the search of Leon’s home, police discovered over 20 firearms, including rifles, long guns, and handguns. Notably, his young son was also in the house at the time of the shooting.

“He was shooting him in the street and following him,” Tear added, highlighting the dangers of combining firearms with uncontrolled rage, which can lead to such tragic outcomes.

Initially taken into custody for questioning, Leon was released but later arrested. So far, he hasn’t made any statements to law enforcement.

Capital murder is among the highest charges, usually marked by particularly heinous circumstances, which could potentially open the door for the death penalty in Texas.