What Happened

What Happened

• Victim & Incident
  On Saturday, August 31, 2025, an 11‑year‑old boy, identified as Julian Guzman, was fatally shot in Houston’s Eastside (in the Clinton Park neighborhood) after ringing a house’s doorbell during a “ding‑dong ditch” prank—a game where children ring doorbells and then run away. He was shot in the back, transported to a hospital, and died the following day, Sunday. Houston ChronicleAP NewsThe Guardian+1

• Suspect & Arrest
  On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 42‑year‑old Gonzalo Leon Jr. was arrested and formally charged with murder. His address matches the location of the shooting. Investigators determined the shooting occurred far from his property, making a claim of self‑defense unlikely. https://www.wcjb.comAP NewsThe GuardianHouston ChroniclePeople.comThe Washington Post

• Legal Context
  Officials—including Houston Police homicide Sgt. Michael Cass—have stated that the circumstances do not support a self‑defense claim, as the victim was shot while running and not in close proximity to the house. People.comAP NewsKPRCThe Washington Post

Summary Table

Broader Context

This tragic shooting is one of several in recent years in the U.S. where a simple prank like “ding‑dong ditch” has resulted in fatal violence. In past cases, courts have grappled with whether defendants acted reasonably or overreacted—garnering national attention especially when children are involved. WikipediaThe Washington Post