An 11-year-old boy was shot and killed in southeast Houston after taking part in a Ding Dong Ditch prank, police confirmed. The incident happened late Saturday night when the child was running away from a home after ringing the doorbell.
Police said the boy was shot in the back around 10:55 p.m. and collapsed about a block away. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Sunday. His name has not yet been released.
Houston, TX🚪
•Large group of kids playing ding-dong-ditch.
•The suspect (allegedly) came out of the house & shot at the children as they ran away.
•Not self-defense per the PD.
•11 y.o. boy was shot in the back & died.*LT seems pissed that she was woken up for this. pic.twitter.com/2yRfZL0Wnm
— police.law.news (@policelawnews) September 1, 2025
Suspect Detained, Weapons Recovered
Houston Police Sergeant Michael Cass stated that a man was detained for questioning, released, and later taken back into custody after the child’s death was confirmed.
Officers executed a search warrant at the home and found a large number of weapons. Investigators believe the victim was with two friends when the man came outside with a handgun and fired multiple shots as the children ran away.
Police Warn of Dangerous Viral Trend
Authorities said the prank resembled the “Door Kicking Challenge,” a viral trend where kids bang on doors or ring doorbells before fleeing, often recording the act for social media. Police warn that these pranks can be mistaken for break-in attempts, leading to violent confrontations.
Similar Cases Reported Across Texas
This is not an isolated incident. In July, Frisco police said a homeowner fired at teens in a car after a Ding Dong Ditch prank, leaving bullet holes in the vehicle. In May, Fort Worth authorities warned the game is no longer harmless, as armed homeowners are responding with gunfire.
