Houston Man Charged in Deadly ‘Ding-Dong Ditch’ Shooting of 11-Year-Old Julian Guzman Appears in Court

Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, is scheduled to appear in court today, Wednesday, September 3, 2025, after being charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Julian Guzman. The tragic incident occurred following a ‘ding-dong ditch’ prank played by Guzman and his 10-year-old cousin on Leon’s Houston home.

Police allege that Leon was ‘waiting in the shadows’ in his side yard after the boys, who had reportedly knocked on his door three times within 15 minutes, ran away. According to Houston Police Sgt. Michael Cass, the lead detective, Leon pursued the children before opening fire. Julian Guzman, who was recording the prank on his phone, was struck and later pronounced dead on Sunday.

Authorities described the boys as appearing as children, ‘not threatening in any way.’ Leon, identified as a former Army veteran, was apprehended at a hotel in La Porte, Texas, with a packed car. A search of his home uncovered a handgun, 20 other firearms, and tactical and smoke grenades, suggesting he may have been a collector of weapons.

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