Virginia Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Teen’s Death During TikTok Prank
Spotsylvania, VA – A 27-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder after a tragic shooting that left an 18-year-old dead during a prank known as “ding dong ditch.” The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Saturday when Michael Bosworth Jr. and two friends were filming the prank, involving ringing doorbells and running away.
According to court records, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire during a perceived burglary and found two teenagers suffering from gunshot wounds. Bosworth was transported to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries; the other teen sustained minor injuries. A third friend was unharmed.
In an affidavit, one of the surviving friends stated that the group was unfamiliar with the neighborhood and was filming the prank for TikTok, a popular social media platform. The affidavit revealed that they had knocked on several doors before fleeing when the shots were fired. Authorities confirmed video footage of the prank was still on one of the friends’ phones.
Tyler Chase Butler has been charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and using a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is currently held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. Michael Bosworth was a senior at Massaponax High School, which announced that counselors would be available to support grieving students ahead of graduation.
While "ding dong ditch" pranks are often seen as harmless, they have led to tragic consequences in the past. Bosworth’s death has shocked the community, with students gathering to honor his memory by releasing messages attached to balloons.
A preliminary hearing for Butler is scheduled for June 18, with no further comments from law enforcement officials or legal representatives regarding the case.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
