A Virginia homeowner is facing murder charges following the fatal shooting of a high school senior during what appears to have been a prank involving ringing doorbells.
Tyler Chase Butler, 27, from Spotsylvania County, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder, alongside charges for malicious wounding and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Reportedly, he is currently being held at the Rappahannock Regional Prison.
According to the sheriff’s office, they received a report of a shooting around 3 AM on Saturday. When authorities arrived at McKenzie Lane, they found two individuals hurt in the shooting; a third person was unharmed.
One of the victims, 18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr., was taken to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The second victim has since been treated and released. Details about the third individual remain unclear, the sheriff’s office stated.
Bosworth Jr. was a senior at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg, known for playing football, lacrosse, and wrestling. Just hours before the school prom, he was involved in a “Ding Dong Ditch” prank where they would ring a doorbell and run away, according to what one of the surviving boys told detectives.
Additionally, reports indicated that a search warrant was executed for the cell phones of the two surviving boys, revealing plans to shoot videos of their pranks for TikTok.
After ringing Butler’s doorbell, the boys reportedly fled, leading to the shooting. Both surviving boys received Miranda warnings, but they have not yet been charged. At least one of them voluntarily provided his phone to investigators.
Sheriff’s Office Colonel Charles Carrey mentioned that the first 911 call involved an alleged break-in at Butler’s residence.
Khamoni Keys, who played on the freshman football team with Bosworth, expressed that Bosworth was open about his feelings, describing him as passionate. He mentioned visiting the hospital upon learning about his friend’s shooting, adding that the tragedy has deeply affected their community.
The principal of Massaponax High School, William Lancaster III, reached out to Bosworth’s family, emphasizing the availability of counseling resources for students during this difficult time.
That same Tuesday evening marked the annual senior sunset event, typically a joyful occasion, but this year it carried a heavy atmosphere of sadness, as shared by WJLA.
Keys shared his sentiments, reflecting on the emotional weight of the situation as they approach graduation: “It’s been tough, but I think we’ll get through it together.”
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