Tragic TikTok Prank Ends In Death As Virginia Teen Shot By Homeowner
A late-night TikTok prank turned deadly after an 18-year-old Virginia teenager was shot and killed by a homeowner around 3 a.m. while filming a “ding-dong ditch” prank video.
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported residential burglary in progress near McKenzie Lane, not far from Washington, D.C. That’s when they discovered multiple teens had been shot at.
Michael Bosworth Jr., a senior at Massaponax High School, was rushed to a hospital but died from his injuries. Another teen, a juvenile, was treated and released, while a third juvenile was physically unharmed.
Homeowner Tyler Butler Charged With Murder After 3AM Shooting
Tyler Chase Butler, 27, was arrested and hit with multiple charges—second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and using a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Law enforcement officials said Butler told detectives he believed the teens were breaking into his home. However, details revealed in a search warrant affidavit paint a different picture. One of the teens told investigators they were just recording prank videos for TikTok. The video trend known as “ding-dong ditch” involves ringing doorbells and running away.
“The juvenile stated that they had run to hide. The juvenile said as they were running from a residence, he and his friends were shot at,” the affidavit read. Another teen confirmed the same story and even had footage on his phone from earlier that night.
Community In Shock After Teen Killed Just Hours Before Prom
What makes this tragedy hit even harder—Bosworth was killed just hours before his high school prom. Massaponax High School officials were heartbroken and immediately began offering support services for students.
“School counselors will be on site at the event to provide support as needed,” the school shared in a letter to families. “Also, when students return to school on Monday, our counseling staff and additional division support team members will be available to provide support to our students and staff as needed.”
