• Michael Bosworth Jr., 18, was killed in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, after being shot by homeowner Tyler Chase Butler while allegedly filming a 'ding-dong ditch' prank for TikTok.
• Tyler Chase Butler, 27, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
• The incident has ignited debate in the community about the use of force, social media pranks, and who bears responsibility for the tragic outcome.

On May 3, 2025, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Michael Bosworth Jr., an 18-year-old high school senior, was fatally shot by Tyler Chase Butler, a 27-year-old homeowner. Bosworth and two other teens were allegedly filming a 'ding-dong ditch' prank for TikTok around 3 a.m. when Butler opened fire. Butler reported a burglary in progress, but court documents indicate the teens were engaged in a prank. The shooting has led to Butler's arrest and sparked a community debate about the events leading to Bosworth's death.

• What: Michael Bosworth Jr. was fatally shot by Tyler Chase Butler after allegedly participating in a 'ding-dong ditch' prank for TikTok. Butler has been charged with second-degree murder.
• Who: Michael Bosworth Jr. (victim), Tyler Chase Butler (shooter), two unnamed teenage companions of Bosworth, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, Malinda Garcia (Bosworth's girlfriend).
• When: The shooting occurred around 3 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Butler's arraignment hearing was held on Monday, May 5, 2025. A vigil was held Tuesday night.
• Where: The shooting occurred at a home near McKenzie Lane in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

The shooting raises questions about the appropriate use of force and the potential dangers of social media pranks. The incident highlights the conflict between a homeowner's right to defend their property and the consequences of using deadly force. The differing accounts of the event – Butler claiming a burglary versus the teens claiming a prank – are central to the investigation. The community is divided, with some sympathizing with the homeowner and others mourning the loss of a young life. The prior case of a teen shot over a YouTube prank video adds further context to the legal and ethical complexities of the situation.

"The juvenile stated he and his friends had hit a couple of doors in the neighborhood," the court document read. “The juvenile is not familiar with the neighborhood that they were in. The juvenile stated that they had run to hide. The juvenile said as they were running from a residence, he and his friends were shot at.”

"You were the best boyfriend, person, brother, son and friend that anyone could ask for. I’m so glad I got to share my life with you and learn to love you and cheer you on through everything because you are one of a kind."

I just feel like it was very unfortunate all the way around. I feel sorry for his parents, but I also feel sorry for my neighbors. If someone came and tried kicking on my door, we'd have been protecting our house too.

The fatal shooting of Michael Bosworth Jr. after an alleged 'ding-dong ditch' prank has resulted in the arrest of Tyler Chase Butler and ignited a community debate about the use of force and social media pranks. The investigation is ongoing, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 18. The tragic event underscores the potential consequences of both reckless behavior and excessive force, leaving the community grappling with questions of responsibility and justice.