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Houston Grand Jury Indicts Gonzalo Leon Jr. on Capital Murder in ‘Ding-Dong Ditch’ Killing

The capital charge raises his potential sentence to life without parole under Texas law that seldom allows death in cases involving victims ages 10 to 14.

Overview

  • Leon was indicted by a Harris County grand jury on Wednesday, and court records list a bond hearing for Friday.
  • Police say 11-year-old Julian Guzman was shot in the back on Aug. 30, 2025 while running away after ringing Leon’s doorbell in Houston’s Clinton Park area.
  • An arrest affidavit states Julian’s cousin saw Leon step outside in black clothing, fire once into the ground, then raise the gun and shoot.
  • The upgraded charge allows a life-without-parole sentence, and prosecutors can seek death only if they also prove another felony listed in the capital murder statute.
  • Leon remains in the Harris County Jail on bond as his attorneys emphasize his presumption of innocence and prepare for the next court steps.