Crime
11-Year-Old Julian Guzman Dies After Being Shot During ‘Ding-Dong Ditch’ Prank
HOUSTON, Texas — Police have detained a suspect after 11-year-old Julian Guzman was fatally shot while playing a prank known as “ding-dong ditch” in Houston’s Eastside late Saturday night.
The incident occurred at a residence in the 9734 block of Mimbrough, where investigators say a group of children had been playing the game — which involves ringing a doorbell or knocking on a door and then running away before anyone answers.
According to authorities, a man came outside during the prank and opened fire, striking Guzman multiple times in the back.
The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Police confirmed that several firearms were recovered from the suspect’s home.
The individual, described only as a middle-aged man, was taken into custody at the scene.
Officers were observed escorting him in handcuffs back to the residence, though police have not yet released his name or confirmed whether formal charges have been filed.
Neighbors expressed shock and grief over the shooting. Theresa Jones, who lives nearby, called the tragedy “really sad” and emphasized the dangers of firearms around children, stating, “A bullet doesn’t have a name.”
Officials with the Houston Police Department’s Major Assault Division said the case remains under active investigation.
“At this time, prayers are going out to the family of the child that’s been shot,” an HPD officer said early Sunday morning.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.