Particle.news
Download on the App Store
18 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Texas Man Held on $1 Million Bond in Killing of 11-Year-Old During Doorbell Prank

Prosecutors say the shooting was not self-defense and are weighing a capital murder charge as the case moves to a grand jury.

Photo shows 11-year-old Julian Guzman who was fatally shot while playing a doorbell ditch prank, according to Houston Police.
This image provided by the Houston Police Department shows Gonzalo Leon Jr.
A makeshift memorial for 11-year-old Julian Guzman, who was shot and killed during a doorbell prank, is shown Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Overview

  • Judge Emily Detoto set bail at $1 million for Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, who is charged with murder in the death of Julian Guzman; his next court date is in October.
  • Witness statements in court records say Leon fired once into the ground, then shot again as the boys ran away, striking Guzman in the back; the 11-year-old died the following day.
  • Police searching Leon’s home reported seizing about 20 firearms, including AR-style rifles, shotguns and pistols, according to the criminal complaint.
  • District Attorney Sean Teare said Texas’ Castle Doctrine does not apply, the case will be presented to a grand jury within about 90 days, and a capital murder upgrade is under consideration.
  • Leon was arrested by an HPD SWAT team at a La Quinta motel in La Porte; prosecutors cited the location as a flight-risk concern, while his attorney said the family left home to avoid media attention.