Man Charged with Murder for Shooting 11-Year-Old Playing Ding Dong Ditch

Fatal Prank Gone Wrong

• 🎯 An 11-year-old boy, Julian Guzman, was shot and killed while playing the prank game ding-dong ditch with his cousin.
• 📱 The victim was recording on his phone when they knocked on the suspect's door and began running, with the sound of the shots captured on the recording.

Suspect and Investigation Details

• 🔍 The suspect, 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr., is charged with murder, with the DA emphasizing the lack of threat posed by the child.
• 🏠 Investigators found over 20 guns and smoke grenades at Leon Jr.'s home; he is an army veteran with overseas experience.
• 🏃‍♂️ The detective states Leon Jr. followed the boys a block down the street and fired at least two shots, one fatally hitting Julian.
• ⚠️ The DA rejected arguments for manslaughter or self-defense, stating the child was unarmed, not stealing, and running away on a public street.

Attempted Escape

• 🚗 When police arrived to arrest him, Leon Jr. and his wife were found with a packed car, apparently preparing for a trip.
• 🏨 They had booked a hotel in a different city, suggesting an attempt to flee the area.