An 11-year-old boy in Houston has died after being shot while playing the childhood prank “ding-dong-ditch” with friends, police confirmed.
How the Incident Happened
According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), the shooting occurred around 10:55 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, in the 9700 block of Racine Street.
Police say the boy and several friends were ringing doorbells and running away when he was shot. A witness reported that the child was seen running from a house after ringing the doorbell, moments before he collapsed with a gunshot wound.
The child was rushed to the hospital but died the next day, Sunday, August 31, according to authorities. His identity is being confirmed by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Investigation Status
One individual was detained at the scene for questioning but was later released. Police have not released the shooter’s identity or announced any charges. HPD detectives, along with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, continue to investigate.
Resident Theresa Jones described the tragedy as “really sad,” adding:
“A bullet doesn’t have a name. Guns shouldn’t be around kids.”
A Pattern of Similar Incidents
The Houston case follows another Texas shooting linked to the same prank just weeks earlier. On July 28 in Frisco, police said 58-year-old Damon Wolfe opened fire on a passing car after hearing someone bang on his door.
Although no one was injured in that case, Wolfe was arrested on August 7 and charged with three counts of aggravated assault—one for each person in the vehicle. Each charge carries a possible 2–20 year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.
Police Warn Parents and Homeowners
Authorities are urging both parents and residents to use caution:
For kids and teens: Officers stress that games like “ding-dong-ditch,” sometimes spread as TikTok challenges, can put children in dangerous situations.
For homeowners: Police warn that firing shots in response can carry serious criminal consequences, even if intended as self-defense.
Frisco Police Chief David Shilson previously said:
“This entire incident is completely senseless and avoidable had better decisions been made by all involved.”
What began as a prank ended in tragedy for one Houston family, leaving a community mourning the loss of a child. The case serves as a sobering reminder: while games like “ding-dong-ditch” may seem harmless, in the wrong situation they can have deadly outcomes. Police continue to investigate whether charges will be filed in the Houston shooting.
