Harris County prosecutors say they will seek a capital murder charge against a Houston man accused of fatally shooting 11-year-old Jullian Guzman, who was playing “ding-dong-ditch” outside the suspect’s home.
Prosecutors are set to elevate the charges against a man accused of the tragic shooting of an 11-year-old boy outside his home in east Houston, moving from murder to capital murder, according to Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare on Tuesday.
Officials report that the individual, named Gonzalo Leon Jr., was poised and ready late Saturday night when 11-year-old Jullian Guzman and his cousin approached his door during a game of “ding-dong-ditch.” Authorities claim that Leon discharged his weapon, hitting Guzman in the back while he was fleeing.
Court records reveal that Guzman’s cousin informed investigators that Leon came out from a gate and onto the street before discharging his weapon. The initial shot impacted the earth, followed by another that struck the boys as they made their escape. Guzman fell to the ground approximately a block away and subsequently passed away at a medical facility. According to reports, his cousin attempted to pull him to safety.
“This was a case of someone ruthlessly taking the life of an 11-year-old out of sheer anger,” Teare stated. “We have a young child who never even had the opportunity to start his life, taken away for no reason.”
Authorities have seized over 20 firearms from Leon’s residence, which include rifles, long guns, and handguns. Authorities suspect that a medium-caliber handgun was involved in the shooting incident.
Teare reported that Leon was first detained and released on two occasions before facing arrest for a third time. No statement has been provided to investigators by him. Documents indicate that Leon, a parent to a young child, had a relative present in the residence at the time the gunfire erupted.
Prosecutors have countered rumors suggesting that the homicide was linked to a social media trend related to property destruction or imitation firearms. Teare emphasized that Guzman and his cousin were merely pressing the doorbell and fleeing — a playful trick that has been enjoyed by kids for ages.
“Discharging your firearm out of anger is something you must never do,” Teare stated. “When events like that unfold, unfortunate incidents like this arise.”
Leon is set to appear for his bond hearing on Wednesday. Authorities announced plans to seek a bond set at $1 million.
If found guilty of capital murder, Leon may be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or face the death penalty.
