Michael Bosworth Jr. Obituary: 18-Year-Old High School Senior Fatally Shot in Prank Gone Wrong; Tyler Chase Butler Arrested for Second-Degree Murder
A community is reeling in grief after 18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr. was fatally shot in the early hours of May 3, 2025, during what was meant to be a harmless prank gone tragically wrong. The incident occurred in a quiet neighborhood in Spotsylvania County, just days before Bosworth was scheduled to graduate from Massaponax High School.
His death has left his classmates, friends, and family devastated, questioning how a moment of youthful misjudgment escalated into such a devastating tragedy.
The shooter, Tyler Chase Butler, 27, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of use of a firearm in connection with the incident.
Butler, who resides at the home where the shooting occurred, allegedly confronted Bosworth and two other juveniles in the early morning hours of May 3, after they attempted to break into his house. According to authorities, Bosworth was shot and killed during the confrontation, while one of the other teens was wounded.
The Tragic Night
The events that led to Michael Bosworth Jr.’s death began around 3 a.m. on May 3, when Bosworth and two other teenagers were reportedly attempting to break into homes in the area of McKenzie Lane.
Authorities with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the teens were in the backyard of a home when they were confronted by the homeowner, Tyler Chase Butler.
Butler, who allegedly believed the teens were attempting to burglarize his residence, fired his weapon at them. Bosworth, tragically, did not survive the gunfire, and one of the other teens was injured.
Neighbors reported hearing as many as eight gunshots that night and claimed that the teens had attempted to break into other homes on McKenzie Lane as part of a late-night prank.
The teens had apparently been participating in a version of the viral “ding-dong-ditch” prank—a social media trend where individuals ring doorbells and run away before the homeowner can respond. The prank, which was meant to be lighthearted and filmed for TikTok, took a dark turn when Butler reacted with deadly force.
One local resident, Shawn Morrell, expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, “I’m sorry the kid did that. I wish he hadn’t done what he did because he had to pay the ultimate price. Nobody likes that. Nobody. Not even the homeowner, but it’s very unfortunate.”
Legal Consequences for Tyler Chase Butler
Tyler Chase Butler, the 27-year-old homeowner, was arrested on Tuesday, May 6, and charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of using a firearm.
Butler is currently being held without bond while the legal proceedings unfold. Investigators are working to determine the precise chain of events that led to the shooting and whether Butler’s response was justified under Virginia’s self-defense laws.
Butler’s defense may center around his perception of the teens as a threat to his home. However, the case raises important legal questions about the proportionality of his response, especially in a situation where the teens were not armed and were participating in a prank. Prosecutors will need to prove whether Butler’s use of deadly force was excessive under the circumstances.
The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are piecing together the details surrounding the shooting. The surviving minors have been read their Miranda rights, though no charges have been filed against them at this time. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the actions of the teenagers involved in the incident.
A High School Community in Mourning
Michael Bosworth Jr. was a senior at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and was just days away from his high school graduation when his life was cut short.
His classmates and friends have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their peer, with many taking to social media to honor his memory. Grief counselors were made available at the school to support students and staff coping with the tragedy.
Massaponax High School was planning to hold its graduation ceremony in the coming weeks, but Bosworth’s death has cast a somber shadow over what should have been a time of celebration.
Fellow student Khamoni Keys shared how difficult it has been for everyone at the school: “It’s been very emotional, honestly, because we graduate next week. He was a very passionate person about stuff… it’s just sad he had to go the way he did.”
Despite the heartbreak, the senior prom went ahead as scheduled, though the festivities were undoubtedly overshadowed by the tragedy that had unfolded just days before.
The Impact on Bosworth’s Family
Bosworth’s family is left grappling with the profound loss of their son and sibling. His stepfather expressed the family’s sorrow, saying, “We’re mourning our son, who had siblings, and we appreciate the love and support we’re getting from the community.”
The Bosworth family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends, family, and neighbors during this incredibly difficult time. Michael’s untimely death has left a hole in their hearts, but they are comforted by the love that continues to surround them.
