Anthony Yates
A Texas man who reportedly shot an 11-year-old playing “ding dong ditch” has had his bond set at $1 million. More details about his past have also been revealed in court.
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What happened: 11-year-old Julian Guzman and his friends were reportedly out playing “ding dong ditch” late on Saturday night. It’s a game where you knock on a stranger’s front door and run away before they can answer.
- Guzman knocked on 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr’s door at around 11 PM. The kids had reportedly visited his house twice already. After the third visit, Leon allegedly exited his home and fired a shot into the ground. He then reportedly raised his gun and fired it at Guzman as he ran away.
- Shortly after the incident, authorities told reporters they had not finalized the charges. However, Houston Police Department Sergeant Michael Cass said he did not believe the suspect acted in self-defense. Leon now faces a murder charge, and a judge set his bond at $1 million, per Click2Houston.
The Court Hearing Revealed More Details About The Suspect
Why a $1 million bond?: Click2Houston reported on several details from a court hearing on Wednesday. Prosecutors reportedly pushed for the $1 million bond, saying the allegations involve “someone intentionally killing an 11-year-old for knocking on their door.”
- A Harris County Assistant District Attorney reportedly said, “I think that a very high bond is warranted if the allegations involve someone intentionally killing an 11-year-old for knocking on their door.”
- Guzman’s cousin claimed they had visited the suspect’s house “several times,” per Click2Houston. He reportedly said he “army dragged” his cousin away after the shooting. A neighbor also assisted. District Attorney Sean Teare called the incident an “intentional and knowing” act. “This was a direct shot to the back of an 11-year-old who was running away, hence the murder charge.”
- The outlet also reveals that a US Army Spokesperson spoke at the court hearing. They claimed Leon was in the regular Army between August 2013 and December 2016. He was then a member of the National Guard between December 2016 and May 2021.
- The prosecution reportedly alleged that Leon previously faced a “terroristic threat” charge in Guadalupe County. However, his attorney refuted the allegation. They said that the case was dismissed due to “mistaken identity.”
