Crime
Leon Gonzalo Jr charged with murder in shooting death of 11-year-old Julian Guzman while playing Ding-Dong Ditch Prank
HOUSTON, Texas — A Houston man has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Julian Guzman, who was killed while playing a neighborhood prank over the weekend.
According to court records, 42-year-old Leon Gonzalo Jr. has been formally charged with murder.
His bond has not yet been set, and he is scheduled to make his first court appearance this morning.
The shooting occurred just before 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in the 9700 block of Mimbrough near Fidelity Street in east Harris County.
Investigators say Guzman and several friends were playing a game commonly known as “ding dong ditch,” in which children ring a doorbell or knock on a door and then run away.
Police report that after the group rang the doorbell at a residence on Mimbrough, a man came outside and opened fire as the children fled.
Guzman was struck by gunfire and collapsed about a block away.
He was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries.
Authorities initially detained a man at the scene for questioning before releasing him.
Following Guzman’s death, the suspect was taken into custody again on Sunday for further investigation, which led to formal charges being filed.
The case remains under active investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Crime
25-Year-Old Adrian Scott Arrested and Charged in Connection with July Bomb and Arson Investigation
St. Louis, MO — Authorities have arrested and charged 25-year-old Adrian Scott in connection with a July incident that sparked a Bomb and Arson investigation after a video surfaced on social media showing a man deliberately throwing fireworks at people and property.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Scott was taken into custody two days ago following an extensive investigation by detectives assigned to the department’s Bomb and Arson Unit.
He now faces one count of Promoting Civil Disorder and one count of Armed Criminal Action, both felony charges.
Investigators say the viral video captured Scott recklessly igniting and throwing explosive fireworks in a public area, endangering bystanders and causing property damage.
The footage prompted widespread concern and led to the official investigation.
Following his arrest, Scott was booked into custody and is awaiting further court proceedings.
Authorities emphasized that such reckless and dangerous behavior will be met with serious legal consequences, noting that the charges reflect the severity of the offense and the potential harm caused to the public.