Virginia Man Charged in Deadly Shooting Linked to TikTok Prank
A Virginia man faces second-degree murder charges after shooting a teenager involved in a TikTok prank known as "ding dong ditch." The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Saturday in Spotsylvania County. Local authorities responded to reports of shots fired, discovering two teenagers with gunshot wounds. Michael Bosworth Jr., 18, succumbed to his injuries, while another teen was treated for minor wounds, and a third friend escaped unharmed.
The group was filming a TikTok video, which involved ringing doorbells and then running away, a prank that has gained popularity on social media. According to an affidavit, the teenagers were unfamiliar with the neighborhood and had knocked on several doors before they were fired upon while fleeing.
Tyler Chase Butler, 27, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in a felony. He currently remains in custody at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. As authorities conduct their investigation, the school community mourns the loss of Bosworth, a senior at Massaponax High School, with mental health resources being offered for grieving students.
Previously, this type of prank has led to tragic incidents, highlighting potential dangers associated with social media trends. In 2020, a similar prank incident in California resulted in a man being sentenced to life in prison after a fatal crash involving teenagers.
In remembrance of Bosworth, students gathered on the football field to honor their classmate by sharing memories and releasing balloons at sunset.
The community now faces a somber reckoning with the lethal consequences that can arise from seemingly innocent pranks, sparking discussions about safety and accountability in the age of social media.
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