A HIGH school football star was allegedly fatally shot by a homeowner while recording a TikTok prank video.
Michael Bosworth Jr., 18, and two pals were taking part in a “ding-dong ditch” challenge in an unfamiliar area before his school prom in Virginia.
Homeowner Tyler Chase Butler, 27, has been arrested on a murder charge, and is currently in custody, said the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
Butler allegedly shot at Bosworth and his two friends after they banged on his door while playing a video prank early Saturday.
He allegedly told detectives that he feared the three teenagers were trying to break into his house at 3:00 a.m., according to police documents.
Bosworth was taken to hospital, but he died from his injuries.
Another teenager was injured in the shooting after being grazed by a bullet during the altercation in Fredricksburg, which is situated midway between Richmond and Washington, D.C.
The third teen, who was not shot, told detectives the trio had not been trying to break into the home to steal anything.
The two survivors reportedly both told police they had come under fire while recording ding-dong ditch pranks for a TikTok video.
Bosworth’s death is the latest in a series of fatalities involving teenage boys taking part in the doorbell ringing prank.
This trend includes individuals walking up to a residence, knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell, and quickly running away before the occupants have a chance to answer the door.
The investigators’ evidence is currently being reviewed by Spotsylvania County commonwealth’s attorney, according to NBC 4.
They will decide whether the shooting was justifiable – and what charges are appropriate.
Authorities stated that in the early hours of May 3, around 3:00 a.m., they “were notified of a report of an attempted break-in at a home, during which the homeowner discharged a firearm.”
They added, “Deputies responded to the area of McKenzie Lane and discovered that two individuals had sustained gunshot wounds and a third individual was unharmed.
“Michael Bosworth, Jr. (18) was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.”
The lead investigator has been contacted for further comment on the case.
FAMILY HEARTBROKEN
According to a search warrant affidavit obtained by NBC, one of the teens said the pals had been to a couple of homes in the neighborhood, but that he was not familiar with the area.
“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,” the affidavit said.
Bosworth’s stepdad told the broadcaster that the teen’s family was heartbroken about his death.
He was a sporty senior at Massaponax High, where he played lacrosse and football, and wrestled, his stepfather added.
The U.S. Sun has contacted the school for comment.
PROM DATE
Bosworth was shot hours before his school prom, added NBC.
His distraught cheerleader girlfriend wore his bow tie on her wrist to the prom on Saturday night, and said on Instagram that he was “by her side” in spirit.
The shocked teen added, “Nothing can explain the way I feel right now.
“I am at a loss of words and just can’t believe this is even real. I feel like I’m living in my worst nightmare and will wake up from a dream.
“But this is my reality, you will always be cherished in my heart forever.”
Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office statement after fatal shooting
Teenager Michael Bosworth Jr was fatally shot after recording a ding-dong ditch prank for a TikTok video in Virginia.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office said that on May 3, at about 3:00 a.m, it “received a call for a residential burglary in progress, where a resident had fired shots.”
The office added, “Deputies responded to the area of McKenzie Lane and discovered that two individuals had sustained gunshot wounds and a third individual was unharmed.
“Michael Bosworth, Jr. (18) was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
“The second injured individual is a juvenile, who was treated for minor injuries and released.
“The third involved individual was also a juvenile and will remain unnamed.
“This is an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, therefore, no charges have been filed at this time.”
The sheriffs issued a further update on Tuesday, May 6.
The office confirmed that Butler of Spotsylvania County, “was arrested for murder 2nd degree, malicious wounding and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
“He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on no bond.”
She added, “You have been such an amazing boyfriend, these past three years have been my best days of living as even though sometimes everyday isn’t easy we always pushed through.
“You were such an amazing person and so many people love you and miss you. This is not fair and you did not deserve this at all.
“You stay forever in my heart and my love for you will never go away. You were the best boyfriend, person, brother, son, and friend that anyone could ask for.”
TIKTOK PRANK DEATHS
Bosworth’s death comes five years after a ding-dong ditch prank prompted a man to chase and ram a car full of teenagers, killing three 16-year-old boys.
Southern California man Anurag Chandra was sentenced to life in prison in 2023 after being found guilty of three counts of attempted murder and three counts of first-degree murder.
The victims were among six teens inside a Toyota Prius on January 19, 2020 when Chandra intentionally rammed their vehicle off the road and fled, prosecutors said.
The Associated Press reported that the Prius’ driver lost control and the sedan slammed into a tree in Temescal Valley, about 60 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
The pals had dared one boy to either jump into a pool at night or play “ding-dong ditch.”
Chandra, who didn’t know the teens, testified at trial that one of the boys rang his doorbell and exposed his bottom before running away.
He told the court that he followed them because he feared for his family’s safety and wanted to express his anger.
He also said he had felt “extremely, extremely mad” about the prank.
The U.S. Sun has contacted TikTok for comment on the latest death following the doorbell-ringing prank challenge.
