Overview

• Michael Bosworth Jr., a high school senior and multi-sport athlete, was fatally shot on May 3, 2025, during a late-night TikTok prank in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.
• Homeowner Tyler Chase Butler, 27, has been charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and firearm offenses, and is being held without bond.
• The prank, known as 'ding-dong ditch,' involved knocking on doors and running away, with videos intended for TikTok, according to surviving teens and evidence reviewed by investigators.
• The shooting occurred after Butler claimed he believed the teens were attempting to break into his home; the investigation includes video evidence and witness statements supporting the prank claim.
• Bosworth's death has deeply impacted the Massaponax High School community, where he was due to attend prom the same day and graduate later this month.