HOUSTON, TX — A late-night prank turned deadly in southeast Houston when an 11-year-old boy was fatally shot after ringing a doorbell and running away, part of a trend inspired by social media. Authorities have charged 42-year-old Leon Gonzalo Jr. with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting.
The incident occurred around 10:55 p.m. Saturday, when Julian Guzman and his friends were engaging in a “ding-dong-ditch” prank, according to the Houston Police Department. The prank is part of a wider trend known as the “door-kicking challenge,” where teens kick on doors before fleeing and posting the footage online.
According to a witness account cited by ABC News, the children had just run from Gonzalo’s door when he emerged, chased after them into the street, and opened fire. Guzman was struck in the back and collapsed roughly a block away. He was pronounced dead at the hospital the following afternoon.
Gonzalo was initially detained by police shortly after the shooting but was released pending further investigation. He was taken into custody again on Sunday after the child’s death was confirmed. Police executed a search warrant at his home and reportedly found a “significant number of firearms.”
At his first court appearance on Tuesday, Gonzalo requested a court-appointed attorney and did not enter a plea. He is currently being held without bond pending a bail hearing.
Houston Police Sergeant Michael Cass stated during a press conference that “in my opinion, it doesn’t look like any type of self-defense.” He confirmed that the children were fleeing when Gonzalo allegedly began firing. Authorities have not yet clarified whether Gonzalo owns the home or was residing there at the time.
This case is part of a growing pattern across the country, where homeowners have responded with gunfire to teens participating in the TikTok “door kick challenge.” In one recent case in Frisco, Texas, a homeowner was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after firing multiple rounds at a fleeing vehicle following a similar incident.
I experienced this firsthand when two teens kicked the door of my girlfriend’s home and ran off. It was sudden, loud, and jarring. While it may feel threatening in the moment, once the individuals flee, the situation is no longer the same. Pulling the trigger at that point is not about protection. It is a decision that can lead to serious legal consequences.
When something like this happens, it’s natural to feel a surge of fear or anger. But self-defense laws are clear. Deadly force is only justified when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. In this case, the children were already running away, and there was never a credible threat to begin with. This was not self-defense. It was a tragic and unjustified use of force.
As stupid as their stunt was, following them down the street and shooting at them while they were running away was even more irresponsible, not to mention illegal. Even if it had been someone trying to break in, the shooter was not in danger once they were fleeing. It’s highly likely he will be going to prison.