A Virginia resident is facing charges after allegedly shooting and killing a high school athlete who was reportedly playing a prank known as “ding dong ditch” early Saturday morning. Tyler Chase Butler, 27, was charged on Tuesday with the murder of 18-year-old high school senior Michael Bosworth Jr. and the injury of one of his friends. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on a residential street in Fredericksburg, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
Butler told detectives that he believed the three teenagers were attempting to break into his home. However, the injured teen, who suffered a minor wound, claimed they were merely executing a prank intended for a TikTok video, as per police documents obtained by local media.
The prank, known as “ding dong ditch,” involves ringing a doorbell or knocking on a door and then running away before the homeowner can answer. The third teenager, who was unharmed, also confirmed to police that they were playing this prank, according to NBC 4 Washington.
Bosworth, a senior at Massaponax High School, was a three-sport athlete, participating in lacrosse, football, and wrestling, his stepfather told NBC 4 Washington. Tragically, the incident occurred on the same day as his high school prom, which was scheduled for later that evening.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office reported that Butler is facing charges of second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is currently being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.