A man from Virginia has been charged with murder after he shot an 18-year-old he believed was attempting to break into his home. However, the surviving teens claim they were just filming a TikTok prank called “ding-dong-ditch.”
Tyler Chase Butler, 27, faces second-degree murder charges in the death of Michael Bosworth Jr., according to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office. He is also charged with malicious wounding involving a firearm.
Legal experts suggest the case hinges on whether Butler acted reasonably, thinking his life was in danger. Jessica Redingham, a Federal Litigation and Criminal Defense Counsel, stated that the situation seems illogical if a teenager is outside and seems unlikely to pose a threat.
Deputies responded to a report of a home invasion where the residents had fired shots, discovering Bosworth with a gunshot wound. Another teenager was found unharmed while a third suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from the hospital.
According to investigators, the teens had been participating in the TikTok challenge. One of Butler’s neighbors provided surveillance footage showing the teens ringing doorbells and damaging property.
Jamie E. Wright, a trial lawyer, explained that laws around the “stand your ground” or “castle doctrine” vary by state, but it’s generally understood that people don’t have the right to use deadly force to protect property. He noted that mere filming of pranks is unlikely to meet legal standards for justifiable self-defense.
Madeline Summerville, another legal analyst, emphasized that the applicability of the castle doctrine would rely heavily on whether Butler genuinely believed he faced imminent danger.
Bosworth was known for being a multi-sport athlete at Massaponax High School, and his classmates showed support by staying up all night in tribute.
Butler remains in custody without bail.
