Three adolescents pulled a practical joke that went bad when one of them died supposedly after being shot by a homeowner.
Police verified earlier this week that Michael Bosworth Jr., age eighteen, died from gunshot wounds.
According to the authorities, the Virginia Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office got a call on May 3 at approximately three in the morning regarding a domestic burglary that was taking place with gunshots being fired.
(Image: @bosworth._michael/Instagram)
There is a widespread belief that the episode was a part of a TikTok prank that went south.
According to police, deputies arrived at the site on McKenzie Lane and discovered two people shot; the third person was uninjured.
Taken to a nearby hospital, Michael Bosworth Jr. (18) passed away from his injuries. A young man, the second injured person, received treatment for minor cuts and was released. The third person involved is likewise young; their name is not known.
An ABC 7 News story claims that the two surviving teenagers told authorities they the incident was a hoax. The individuals stated to the law enforcement officers that they were playing a practical joke known as “ding-dong ditch,” in which they rang doorbells and then fled before anyone could react. The teenagers said they had done this at many residences and planned to share it on TikTok in line with a social media trend.
(Image: @bosworth._michael/Instagram)
Later on, Facebook verified that the homeowner had been arrested and charged with the incident. Tyler Chase Butler, 27 of Spotsylvania County, was arrested for Second-Degree Murder, Malicious Wounding, and two charges of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, according to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office. At the Rappahannock Regional Jail, he is being held without bond at this time.
Bosworth was a senior at Massaponax High School, and the sad event happened just hours before prom.
His lover, who was compelled to attend the prom by herself, wore the pink bow tie that he had intended to wear on her arm for the occasion.
(Image: @bosworth._michael/Instagram)
“You were the best boyfriend, person, brother, son, and friend anyone could ask for,” she said in an Instagram memorial to Bosworth, which she shared with the Washington Post. You are one of a kind, hence I am so happy I could live my life with you and learn to love and support you through anything.
The school system released a statement to assist children impacted by the incident.
It was stated in the release that school counsellors will be present at the event in order to provide support or assistance as needed. Additionally, our counselling staff and additional division support team members will be ready to assist our students and staff as needed when students return to school on Monday.
“Please contact the school if your child requires help, so we may assist them. Our prayers centre on the family through this trying period.