11-year-old shot, killed playing ding-dong-ditch in East Houston

Houston crime: Child shot playing Ding Dong Ditch prank

Houston police say an 11-year-old boy was shot and killed while playing Ding Dong Ditch with some friends over the weekend.

HOUSTON - An 11-year-old boy was shot and killed over the Labor Day weekend while playing a ding-dong ditch prank with friends in East Houston, according to police.

Boy shot and killed over childhood prank

What we know:

Houston police say officers were called to Mimbrough Street just before 11 p.m. Saturday and found a boy shot in the back. A witness told investigators they saw the boy and possibly two other kids running from a home after ringing the doorbell and then heard two to three gunshots. The witness told police someone with a gun ran out of the house and opened fire. Police say the boy was hit multiple times, rushed to a hospital, and died Sunday afternoon.

11-year-old boy killed while playing prank

Over the holiday weekend, Houston police say an 11-year-old boy was shot and killed while playing Ding Dong Ditch with some friends just a block away from his home in East Houston.

"A witness said someone ran out of the house and was shooting at the kids running down street, and unfortunately, one of the boys who was shot was 11-years-old and was shot in the back," said Sgt. Michael Cass with HPD.

Neighbors' reaction

What they're saying:

Neighbors say this is heartbreaking.

"I think that’s real bad, and it gets a little scary when someone is killing kids," said neighbor Rachelle Brown. 

Another neighbor, a teacher, said, "When I heard, I was so sad… he shot a kid, that’s sad."

"It’s very unfortunate to hear that a kid passed away from ding-dong ditching," said neighbor Alfredo Hernandez. "I don’t think it’s that serious for someone knocking on your door, especially a child."

Houston police investigate

What we know:

During a search warrant at the home, investigators say they found several weapons. HPD says a possible suspect was identified, detained for questioning, and later released. As of Monday, no one is in custody and no one has been formally charged.

"In my opinion, it doesn’t look like any type of self-defense. It wasn’t close to the house, so it would more likely be a murder charge," said Sgt. Cass.

The investigation is ongoing. Detectives have collected evidence and surveillance video. Police are working with the Harris County District Attorney's office on this case.