Houston man held on $1 million bond after 11-year-old killed in door-knocking prank

Prosecutors say 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr. lay in wait after repeated knocks at his door, then opened fire as the child ran away, striking him in the back. The boy, identified by family as Julian Guzman, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors say 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr. lay in wait after repeated knocks at his door, then opened fire as the child ran away, striking him in the back. The boy, identified by family as Julian Guzman, was pronounced dead at the scene. Photo credit Harris County

A Houston man accused of fatally shooting an 11-year-old boy who was playing a door-knocking prank is being held on a $1 million bond and could face upgraded charges.

Prosecutors say 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr. lay in wait after repeated knocks at his door, then opened fire as the child ran away, striking him in the back.

The boy, identified by family as Julian Guzman, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators seized more than 20 firearms from Leon’s home, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office says the case may rise to capital murder given the victim’s age.

For now, Leon is charged with murder as the investigation continues.

The case has drawn outrage across Houston, with community leaders and prosecutors calling it a tragedy fueled by unnecessary violence.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Harris County