11-year-old boy fatally shot in Houston after 'ding dong ditch' doorbell-ringing prank, police say
Share and Follow


Houston, TX (AP) – An 11-year-old boy was fatally shot in Houston after a prank in which he rang the doorbell of a home and ran away, police said Sunday.

The boy had been ringing doorbells as a prank late Saturday evening, the Houston Police Department said in a statement. Commonly referred to as “ding dong ditching,” the prank involves fleeing before someone inside the home opens the door.

The boy, who has not yet been identified, died of his wounds Sunday, police said.

Police spokesperson Shay Awosiyan said that officers were still investigating and had not arrested anybody in connection with the boy’s death as of Sunday evening.

Other “ding dong ditch” pranks have turned deadly in the past. In 2023, a Southern California man was convicted on three counts of first-degree murder for killing three teenage boys by intentionally ramming their car after they rang his doorbell as a prank.

And in May, a Virginia man was charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting an 18-year-old who had rung his doorbell while a filming a TikTok video of the prank, the New York Times reported.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Creative Cypher enters new era with first woman president of the entertainment powerhouse company, Cindy Beasley

Creative Cypher Breaks New Ground: Cindy Beasley Appointed as First Female President

CHICAGO (WLS) — Riding high on the success of two Emmy nominations,…
Landlord allegedly kills 71-year-old tenant, hides body in barrel on Washington property

Shocking Discovery: Landlord Accused of Murdering Elderly Tenant and Concealing Body in Barrel in Washington

Authorities are investigating a chilling case in Washington after a landlord is…
Trevor Lawrence runs for 2 scores as Jaguars close in on AFC South title with 23-17 win over Colts

Trevor Lawrence’s Dual Touchdowns Propel Jaguars Toward AFC South Crown in Victory Over Colts

With a decisive victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Jacksonville Jaguars are…
FILE - Hoda Abrahim, founder and CEO of,

Empowering Narratives: How ‘Mo’ and ‘Muslim Matchmaker’ Redefine Arab and Muslim American Representation on TV

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Whether it’s through stand-up routines or a heartfelt…
Charlie Kirk’s killing, Idaho murders plea and Karen Read verdict: Inside 2025’s biggest crime moments

Unraveling 2025’s Biggest Crime Mysteries: Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death, Idaho Murders Plea, and Karen Read Verdict

The year 2025 was marked by a series of gripping crime stories…
Update on girl, 13, who was shot in the face by her stepdad

Latest Developments on the 13-Year-Old Girl Injured in Shooting Incident Involving Her Stepfather

A teenage girl is fighting for her life after being shot in…
Interoceanic Train derails in southern Mexico, killing at least 13 and injuring dozens

Tragic Interoceanic Train Derailment in Southern Mexico Claims Over 13 Lives and Injures Dozens

In a tragic incident in southern Mexico, a train derailment resulted in…
JSO: Woman taken into custody after shooting boyfriend at Northside apartment complex

JSO Arrests Woman for Alleged Shooting of Boyfriend at Northside Apartment Complex

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported a shooting incident that took place in…