A tragic prank has ended in the death of an 11-year-old boy in Houston, Texas.
Police confirmed that a 42-year-old man, identified as Leon Gonzalo Jr., has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
According to Harris County court records, Gonzalo was booked into jail on Tuesday, September 2.
His home address matched the location where the shooting took place.
Witnesses told investigators that the boy was running away after ringing Gonzalo’s doorbell when he was struck by gunfire.
Police reports revealed that the child was engaged in a “ding dong ditch” prank, where individuals ring a doorbell before fleeing.
The trend, which has gained new life on TikTok, has been linked to several dangerous incidents in the United States.
“Officers were told the male was ringing doorbells of homes in the area and running away,” Houston police stated.
“A witness said the victim was running from the house, after ringing the doorbell, when he was shot.”
Houston homicide Sergeant Michael Cass clarified that the incident did not appear to involve self-defence.
“The shooting wasn’t close to the house,” he told local media.
The TikTok variation of the prank often goes beyond simple doorbell ringing.
Videos show pranksters banging on doors or even kicking them before running away.
Safety experts warn that such acts can provoke violent reactions from homeowners.
This tragedy adds to a growing list of TikTok-related incidents that have ended in death or serious injury.
In Houston, the case has sparked fresh debate over social media’s influence on young people and the risks tied to viral trends.
Authorities said Gonzalo remains in custody, awaiting court proceedings.