Man Accused of Killing Boy Playing Doorbell Prank in Texas

• Young Julián Guzmán Dies After Innocent Prank
• Man Charged With Murder
• Community Demands Immediate Justice

According to the EFE news agency, authorities in Harris County, Texas, on Tuesday filed murder charges against a man accused of shooting at a group of children playing in his neighborhood.

The incident took place last Saturday in eastern Houston, where an 11-year-old boy lost his life after being struck by gunfire.

The victim was identified as Julián Guzmán, who was with friends when they decided to play a common childhood prank: ringing doorbells and running away.

Among the homes was that of 42-year-old León Gonzalo Jr., who, according to investigators, reacted violently to the innocent prank.

The Gunfire That Ended in Julián Guzmán’s Death

An 11-year-old boy was killed in Texas after being shot while playing a doorbell prank. More details: https://t.co/5TrByOUdKc pic.twitter.com/0nYc54SnMZ

— Televen (@Canal_Televen) September 2, 2025

According to witnesses, Gonzalo came out of his house armed just seconds after hearing the children ring his doorbell.

At that moment, he began firing as the children fled in terror, creating panic throughout the neighborhood.

Young Julián Guzmán was struck by the bullets and collapsed in the street, while his friends tried desperately to escape.

Emergency services arrived quickly and transported the boy to a nearby hospital with severe injuries.

Man Accused of Killing Boy in Texas: Judicial Process

ARRESTED: Booking photo of Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a juvenile male, 11, in the 9700 block of Racine Street on Saturday (Aug. 30).

More info: https://t.co/pu9Dfdvcaf#HouNews pic.twitter.com/XW0bR36vUq

— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) September 2, 2025

Despite medical efforts, Guzmán died on Sunday from the gunshot wounds he sustained that night.

The news shocked the Harris County community, sparking outrage over the violence directed at children engaged in an innocent game.

Authorities identified Gonzalo Jr. as the shooter after gathering witness statements and analyzing ballistic evidence.

On Tuesday, the local prosecutor’s office formally charged him with murder and presented him in Harris County court.

Reactions and Calls for Justice

Sheriff Ed González, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that the accused did not deny firing the shots but claimed he acted because he felt “threatened.”

However, prosecutors stressed that there was no real danger, as the children carried no weapons and posed no threat.

The case reignited debate about gun access in Texas, a state with some of the most permissive firearm laws in the country.

Neighbors expressed sadness and shock, noting that Julián was a cheerful boy who loved spending time with his friends outdoors.

A Community Scarred by Violence

The victim’s family demanded justice, insisting that a children’s prank should never have ended in tragedy.

Local anti-gun violence organizations also spoke out, denouncing the case as an example of the dangers of gun culture in residential communities.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that Gonzalo Jr. remains in custody while his legal situation is determined.

Prosecutors indicated they will seek the maximum penalty in the trial, arguing that the accused acted with intent and disregard for life.