An 11-year-old boy was shot and killed in southeast Houston after participating in a doorbell-ringing prank on Saturday night, as reported by the Houston Police Department. The incident occurred around 10:55 p.m. when the child was hit in the back while fleeing from a residence. He collapsed about a block away and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital on Sunday.
Authorities initially misidentified the child as 10 years old but later confirmed his age. His name has not been disclosed pending an autopsy.
Police detained a man for questioning related to the incident, who was initially released but re-detained following the boy’s death. A search warrant executed at the residence revealed a significant amount of weaponry. According to investigators, the victim was with at least two friends when a man exited the home with a handgun and fired multiple shots as the group ran away.
Officials noted that this prank aligns with the “Door Kicking Challenge,” a viral trend in which youths ring doorbells and flee. The Chandler Police Department in Arizona has previously warned that such actions could be interpreted as attempted break-ins, potentially resulting in violent outcomes. Similar incidents have also been reported in Texas.
- Why it matters: This incident highlights growing concerns about the dangers associated with viral social media challenges that kids may engage in, leading to potentially fatal consequences.
- The latest: Investigators have confirmed the victim was shot while fleeing from a residence where a firearm was discharged.
Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/what-is-ding-dong-ditch-viral-prank-turns-deadly-after-11-year-old-gets-shot-in-houston-article-152641965
Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/what-is-ding-dong-ditch-viral-prank-turns-deadly-after-11-year-old-gets-shot-in-houston-article-152641965