HOUSTON, Texas — Authorities have arrested 42-year-old Leon Gonzalo Jr. on murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy during a “ding dong ditch” prank on Saturday night.
According to investigators, the child had been ringing doorbells at multiple homes and running away. The incident turned deadly when the boy approached Gonzalo’s residence in Houston. Witnesses told police that as the child fled the property, Gonzalo allegedly opened fire, striking him.
The boy, whose name has not yet been released by authorities, was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Tuesday morning, police confirmed that Gonzalo was taken into custody without incident. His home matched the location of the shooting, linking him directly to the fatal encounter.
The case has drawn widespread outrage and grief across the community, with many questioning how a harmless childhood prank could end in such tragedy.
Gonzalo faces a murder charge, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities say additional details will be released as the case develops.