Virginia Man Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting During TikTok Prank
In a tragic incident on Saturday, a Virginia man has been charged with second-degree murder after fatally shooting an 18-year-old, Michael Bosworth Jr., who was participating in a TikTok prank known as "ding dong ditch." The shooting occurred around 3 a.m. in Spotsylvania County, where Bosworth and two friends were filming the prank, which involves ringing doorbells and fleeing.
According to court records, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire during what appeared to be a burglary. Upon arrival, they discovered Bosworth with fatal gunshot wounds, while another teen sustained minor injuries. The third friend remained unharmed. The group, unfamiliar with the neighborhood, had been filming their TikTok video when they were shot at while trying to escape a residence.
Tyler Chase Butler, 27, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and firearm-related offenses. He is currently held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail. In response to the ongoing tragedy, Massaponax High School, where Bosworth was a senior, announced that counselors would be available to support grieving students.
This incident has reignited concerns over the dangers associated with social media challenges. Similar pranks have led to fatal outcomes in the past, raising questions about accountability and safety in viral trends. A preliminary hearing for Butler is scheduled for June 18, with the community mourning the loss of Bosworth, who was remembered by classmates in a heartfelt gathering where they released balloons in his honor. The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office has yet to provide further comments, and no response has been received from Butler’s attorney.
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