A tragic incident unfolded when a homeowner allegedly shot and killed a teenager during a prank gone wrong.
Michael Bosworth Jr., 18, was shot and killed on May 3 at approximately 3 am in Virginia after the homeowner reportedly fired at him.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office reported that they responded to calls about a burglary in progress in Fredricksburg on Mckenzie Lane, where gunshots had been heard.
Authorities initially suspected the episode was intended for a viral TikTok video, as Bosworth’s friends informed investigators that the encounter was being filmed for social media.
Tyler Chase Butler was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony, according to the county sheriff’s office.
Details have now emerged regarding what the 27-year-old told officers about the alleged shooting.
Butler recounted to detectives that Bosworth and two other teenagers knocked on his doors in the early morning, which led him to feel alarmed.
Believing he was facing a burglary, Butler claims he fired his weapon in self-defense and to protect his property.
Another teen reportedly sustained a minor wound from a bullet, according to NBC Washington. They later informed police that the group had no intention of theft.
The high schooler explained they were filming ‘ding-dong ditch’ pranks—ringing doorbells and then running away—intending to post it as part of a social media trend. He mentioned they were not familiar with the area and were attempting to escape when the gunfire erupted.
A third teen was also located by authorities, whose statement supported this account. They provided their phone, showing a similar video the trio had recorded earlier that evening. Bosworth’s death occurred just hours before his school’s prom at Massaponax High School.
His girlfriend, Malinda Garcia, a cheerleader at the school, attended the prom alone and wore his planned pink bow tie on her arm to honor him.
In her tribute shared with the Washington Post, Garcia wrote on Instagram: “You were the best boyfriend, person, brother, son and friend that anyone could ask for.
“I’m so glad I got to share my life with you and learn to love you and cheer you on through everything because you are one of a kind.”
She also expressed: “Nothing can explain the way I feel right now. I am at a loss of words and just can’t believe this is even real. I feel like I’m living in my worst nightmare and will wake up from a dream.
“But this is my reality, you will always be cherished in my heart forever.”
Bosworth was passionate about sports, participating in lacrosse, football, and wrestling at his school.
A tribute was held in his honor on the sports field, where black and blue balloons were released.
His family announced that friends are invited to join a ‘celebration’ of his life at the local chapel on May 20.
Meanwhile, Butler remains in custody at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.