New Details Emerge in ‘Ding-Dong Ditch’ Killing of 11-Year-Old Texas Boy as Suspect Appears in Court

New details are emerging about the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Julian Guzman after suspect Gonzalo Leon Jr. had his first court hearing.

Leon appeared before Judge Emily Detoto of the 177th District Court in Houston on Wednesday, Sept. 3, according to ABC News and KHOU 11.

The 42-year-old suspect is accused of fatally shooting Guzman in the back on Saturday, Aug. 30. The incident occurred after Guzman and his cousin knocked on Leon’s door in Houston and ran away. The pre-teen died in the hospital the next day.

During the hearing, Judge Detoto set a $1 million bond. ABC reported that Detoto mentioned Leon could face “more serious charges” as the investigation continues. This includes the possibility of capital murder charges.

According to the Texas penal code, capital murder, a type of criminal homicide, can apply when “the person murders an individual 10 years of age or older but younger than 15 years of age.” A person convicted of a capital felony may face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney John Brewer discussed “new evidence” that was collected, including a video found on Guzman’s phone, according to KHOU 11. Guzman and his cousin were reportedly filming the prank when the shooting occurred.

Brewer acknowledged that there were “limits of some evidence.” Leon’s court-appointed attorney, Gianpaolo Macerola, questioned whether the video proved that Leon acted with a “clear intent to kill.”

According to ABC, Guzman’s cousin told investigators that they had been “bored and wanted to ring doorbells, or play ‘ding dong ditch,'” citing a criminal complaint.

After Guzman was shot, his cousin said he was “asking for help, believing his legs were paralyzed.” He added that Leon “slowly walk[ed] back to the blue house” as Guzman called for help.

Police allege that Leon fired two shots after Guzman and his cousin knocked on his door three times, according to KHOU 11. The first shot hit the ground as a “warning shot,” and the second shot struck Guzman in the back.

Discussing the possibility of more serious charges in court, Brewer said, “There’s always an opportunity to upgrade a case if the evidence warrants it,” per KHOU 11.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare described the case as “brutal,” saying, “When you have an 11-year-old shot in the back and murdered, I think it’s an appropriate bond.” He added, “One lost a little boy before he even got to start his life; another has a father and husband facing life in prison [because] of one angry act,” according to KHOU 11.

ABC reported that police found “at least 20 firearms” at Leon’s home. They were located “in a small closet on the left side of the residence right next to the front door,” according to a criminal complaint.

The City of Houston released a statement on Sunday, Aug. 31, confirming police responded to the crime scene after receiving a call about a shooting.

“Officers were told the male was ringing doorbells of homes in the area and running away. A witness stated the male was running from a house, after ringing the doorbell, just prior to suffering a gunshot wound,” the report read.

It added, “Officers detained one person at the scene for questioning. That individual was questioned and released. Detectives are gathering more information as the investigation continues.”

An updated statement from the Houston Police Department confirmed that Leon was arrested and charged with murder on Monday, Sept. 1. He was taken into custody and moved to the Harris County Jail the next day.

Leon is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 11, according to KHOU 11, and is likely to face a grand jury trial.

PEOPLE contacted the offices of Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, the Houston Police Department, the 177th District Court in Houston, and Leon’s attorney Gianpaolo Macerola, but they did not immediately respond.