Nationwide — Tyler Chase Butler, a 27-year-old African American man from Spotsylvania County, Virginia, has been charged with murder after fatally shooting 18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr., a white high school senior who was in his backyard filming TikTok pranks with friends around 3 a.m. on a Saturday. The deadly encounter has ignited debate over race, self-defense, and the consequences of social media stunts gone wrong.
According to NBC 4 Washington, Butler was arrested and now faces charges of second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Authorities say he opened fire on three white teens outside his home in Spotsylvania County, killing Bosworth and injuring another. A third teen was unharmed.
Bosworth was a student-athlete at Massaponax High School, where he played football, lacrosse, and wrestled. According to police, the group had been recording a “ding dong ditch” prank for TikTok—ringing doorbells and running away—when the shooting happened.
Butler claimed he believed the teens were attempting to break into his home and called 911 to report a burglary in progress. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call of shots fired. Upon arrival, the surviving teens reportedly told deputies they were just filming pranks, and one showed officers a video as proof.
It remains unclear why the boys were in Butler’s backyard or whether he knew they were pulling a prank before opening fire. Neighbors told reporters they were also frightened by the teens’ behavior that night, with some fearing break-ins.
“I’m sorry the kid did that,” said local resident Shawn Morrell. “I wish he hadn’t, because he paid the ultimate price. Nobody wants that outcome—not even the homeowner.”
Butler is currently being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The case is still under investigation as the community grapples with questions about race, self-defense, and accountability.