Jaime E. Galvan

Blue Bell just unveiled its new Classic Pecan Pie Ice Cream — brown sugar ice cream with pecans, pie crust, and pecan pie filling swirls. BRENHAM, Texas — Just in time for dessert lovers, Blue Bell is rolling out a brand-new flavor inspired by a Texas favorite. Starting Thursday, Classic Pecan Pie Ice Cream is hitting freezer aisles across the company’s distribution area. The new flavor features rich brown sugar ice cream blended with roasted pecans, flaky pie crust pieces, and swirls of pecan pie filling. “Our new flavor combines your favorite ice cream with everything you enjoy in a pecan pie,” said John Neal Robinson, general sales manager for Blue Bell. “Pecans, pie crust pieces, and yes, even a pecan pie filling swirl, all surrounded by a brown sugar ice cream — did we miss anything? There is no need for pie and ice cream when you can now have both in a carton of our Classic Pecan Pie Ice Cream”. A nod to Texas tradition Pecan pie, the official state pie of Texas, inspired the new release. “At Blue Bell, we know how to make great-tasting ice cream. And being a Texas-based company, we understand what it takes to be a prize-winning pecan pie. Our Classic Pecan Pie is sure to become your new favorite dessert,” Robinson said. Classic Pecan Pie Ice Cream will be sold in half-gallon and pint sizes for a limited time. A fan favorite returns Alongside the new flavor, Blue Bell has also brought back Homemade in the Shade Ice Cream after a decade-long hiatus. The treat combines Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with a swirl of rich chocolate fudge sauce. It is available in both pint and half-gallon sizes. Got a news tip or story idea? Text it to us at 713-526-1111.

Prosecutors say new evidence, including cell phone video, will be key in the murder case of 11-year-old Julian Guzman. The suspect was in court on Wednesday morning. HOUSTON — The Army veteran accused of fatally shooting 11-year-old Julian Guzman while the child was playing “ding dong ditch” with his cousin appeared in court Wednesday morning for a bond hearing. The judge set bond at $1 million for 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr., who is charged with murder. Prosecutors argued for the high bond, saying the allegations involve “someone intentionally killing an 11-year-old for knocking on their door.” Leon’s defense attorney pushed back, arguing the amount was excessive given Leon’s ties to the community, military service, and family responsibilities. The attorney also said Leon is not a flight risk and that his family is suffering as he faces the possibility of life in prison. New evidence revealed Prosecutors say they’ve gathered critical new evidence, including eyewitness testimony and a video recorded on Julian’s cell phone. The boy was filming the prank when shots rang out, capturing the moments from the door knock to when he collapsed while running away. “I unfortunately have had to watch countless recordings and surveillance of people in their last moments,” Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said. “When you talk about an 11-year-old dying, where we hear it, that’s gonna be just some of the most horrific evidence that I can imagine.” Julian’s cousin, who was with him that night, described what the suspect was wearing and where he appeared in the backyard. The child told family, “I didn’t know what to do, but I wish I could have done more.” Assistant District Attorney John Brewer confirmed prosecutors shared all available information with the judge, even details that remain uncertain. He said out of “an abundance of caution,” both sides were upfront about the limits of some evidence. Brewer added that investigators know the boys were using social media before the prank, though he declined to comment further. Defense response Leon’s attorney disputed how prosecutors characterized the cell phone video, arguing it may not prove clear intent to kill. He suggested the case may fit a lesser charge and described the shooting as a “tragic accident,” not an execution-style act. The defense also noted Leon’s Army veteran status, framing him as someone who has served his country and stressing that his actions should be fully considered in context before a jury. Possibility of upgraded charges Brewer said the investigation is ongoing and that additional information could lead to upgraded charges. “There’s always an opportunity to upgrade a case if the evidence warrants it,” he said, adding that the most practical time to do so is before the case goes to a grand jury. There was also discussion in court about a possible Guadalupe County charge in Leon’s past. Brewer noted the information is disputed but was provided to the judge. The next court date is set for October 21. The suspect Leon was arrested on Tuesday morning by Houston police and charged with murder. Investigators say he initially refused to answer questions the night of the shooting and has not spoken since his arrest. Court documents allege Leon fired a warning shot into the ground before shooting Julian as he ran away down the sidewalk. What happened The shooting unfolded just before 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, on Racine Street near Mimbrough and Fidelity streets in east Houston. Police say a group of children had been knocking on doors when Leon opened fire. “A witness says someone ran out of that house and was shooting at the kids running down the street, and unfortunately, sadly enough, one of the boys, who was 11 years old, was shot in the back,” HPD Homicide Detective Sgt. Michael Cass said. Julian was rushed to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead the following day. In a new interview with CBS News, police said Julian and his cousin rang the doorbell two times before, but it was the third attempt that led to the shooting. Community and legal fallout The case has drawn national attention and sparked debate over self-defense laws in Texas. Prosecutors argue the shooting was unprovoked. “There is no way that little boy was posing a threat… and he was running away on a public street. This is not stand your ground, this is not manslaughter. This is murder,” Teare said Tuesday evening. RELATED: Deadly ding dong ditch case in Houston isn't the first time the childhood prank has led to charges During an interview on Wednesday following the hearing, Teare also framed the tragedy as one that has torn apart two families: “One lost a little boy before he even got to start his life, and another has a father and husband facing life in prison because of one angry act.” Teare used the case to highlight the importance of responsible gun ownership, saying it means keeping firearms away from children, only using them when legally justified, and properly securing them to prevent theft. “That responsibility does not include drawing down and shooting an 11-year-old in the back while he’s running away,” he said. Neighbors remain stunned. “What harm could they have done? Playing with a doorbell? That’s the part that really kind of hurts the heart,” one resident told KHOU 11 on Monday. Another neighbor added, “Kids are just being kids. I feel like we’ve all played these ding-dong ditch (games).” [embedded content] What’s next Leon is due back in court on October 21. Prosecutors say they will continue reviewing evidence, including Julian’s cell phone video, before the case heads to a grand jury. Meanwhile, a memorial for Julian continues to grow outside the home where the shooting happened. His mother left a simple message: “I love you Julian you will always be in my heart. Rest in peace baby. Mom.” A GoFundMe account has been created to help the Guzman family. Got a news tip? Text KHOU 11 at 713-526-1111.