A Houston man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing an 11-year-old boy who was taking part in a “ding-dong ditch” prank.
Officials said 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr. was charged with murder following the death of Julian Guzman, who was shot on Saturday as he ran away. Guzman was pronounced dead on Sunday.
Authorities reported that Guzman had rung several doorbells in the area before fleeing. A witness told investigators the boy had just run from a house after ringing its doorbell moments before he was shot.
Leon Jr. was initially detained at the scene and later released. On Tuesday, he was arrested by the Houston Police Department’s SWAT team and booked into the Harris County Jail.
Police said they did not believe the suspect acted in self-defense. “In my opinion, it doesn’t look like any type of self-defense. It wasn’t close to the house, so it’ll more than likely be a murder charge,” said Sgt. Michael Cass of the Houston Police Department.
A makeshift memorial was created in Houston for Guzman, who was killed during the prank. The memorial drew attention to the incident, which has shaken the community.
A similar case occurred in Frisco, Texas, on July 28 when officials said 58-year-old Damon Wolfe allegedly fired at a group of teenagers playing the same prank. Wolfe was charged with three counts of aggravated assault.
Source : FOXNews.com
