11-year-old killed after ding-dong-ditch prank in Houston
An 11-year-old boy is dead after what police describe as a “ding-dong-ditch” prank in east Houston ended in tragedy late Saturday night.
The shooting happened around 11 p.m. near Mimbrough and Fidelity streets, just east of the East Loop. According to Houston police, a group of children had been ringing doorbells in the neighborhood when they knocked on one particular home. Witnesses told investigators that a man came out of the house and began firing at the children as they ran away.
“A witness says someone ran out of that house and was shooting at the children running down the street, and unfortunately, sadly enough, one of the boys who was 11 years old was shot in the back,” said HPD Homicide Detective Sgt. Michael Cass.
The boy was rushed to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite medical efforts, he died Sunday afternoon.
A man was detained at the home where the shots were fired, and detectives collected several rifles and handguns from the residence.
While no arrest has yet been made, Sgt. Cass noted that the evidence does not point to self-defense, saying, “In my opinion, it does not look like any type of self-defense. It wasn’t close to the house, so it’ll more than likely be a murder charge.”
Neighbors expressed heartbreak over the boy’s death, struggling to comprehend how a child could lose his life over what many consider a childish prank. Others voiced a sobering reminder of the dangers children face today, urging parents to be vigilant.
Houston police said they are working with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to determine charges and are reviewing surveillance video while asking neighbors for additional footage.
Children have the fundamental right to life, to protection from violence, and to grow up in safety. No prank, no mischief, and no mistake should ever cost a child his future. What happened in East Houston is a violation of the most basic rights that society is duty-bound to protect.
