Tyler Chase Butler is a homeowner who was recently arrested for shooting and killing a high school student named Michael Bosworth Jr, find out more about him and the incident below
The tragic incident turned a joyful graduation season into mourning as the victim, Michael Bosworth Jr., was set to graduate very soon.
Who is Tyler Chase Butler who shot and killed Michael Bosworth Jr of Massaponax High School student in Virginia during TikTok prank
Two shot, one killed during TikTok prank outside Fredericksburg, VA
Police say Michael Bosworth Jr., 18, was part of a group filming themselves ringing doorbells and running away for a "TikTok trend."
They say Tyler Butler, 27, murdered him for it. pic.twitter.com/D6AvEymPiR
— National Conservative (@NatCon2022) May 7, 2025
Tyler Chase Butler, 27, was charged Tuesday with killing a white 18-year-old high school senior Michael Bosworth Jr. who was playing “ding dong ditch" at 3 a.m.
Karmelo Anthony: "Get that money" pic.twitter.com/FGCnxxLAn1
— Dan Lee (@FlagrantFouL24) May 7, 2025
According to reports, Michael was killed during what police say was a TikTok prank gone wrong.
Tyler Chase Butler arrested for shooting a high school student
Authorities from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Tyler Chase Butler, the homeowner who opened fire. The shooting took place around 3 a.m. after Butler called 911 to report a suspected home burglary. According to police, Butler fired at the teens, believing they were attempting to break in. In reality, the teens were filming a “ding-dong ditch” prank for TikTok, in which participants ring doorbells and run away.
Bosworth and another teenager were shot during the incident. Bosworth later died at the hospital, while the other juvenile survived. A third teen involved was not injured.
According to the official court documents, the teenagers later admitted that they were filming themselves for TikTok while pulling pranks in the neighborhood. The case has unsurprisingly sparked all kinds of debate regarding social media challenges, homeowner rights, and gun violence. Authorities have since arrested Butler and charged him with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. As of now, Tyler Butler remains in custody facing multiple charges.
Tyler Chase Butler bio and age
Tyler Chase Butler is a resident of the Fredericksburg area in Virginia who was recently arrested for shooting and killing a high school student. He is currently 27 years old, and there is little to no information available about his personal or professional background. According to reports, the recent shooting marks his first known criminal charge.
Michael Bosworth Jr. was a senior at Massaponax High School who was recently shot dead while pulling a prank. According to his classmates, he was passionate and full of life and was eagerly anticipating his graduation. His untimely death just hours before prom has left his peers and the school authorities stunned and grieving. Bosworth was only 18 years old at the time of his death.
Michael Bosworth Jr was dating girlfriend, Malinda Garcia.
Bosworth was shot in the torso, according to court records, and died at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia and was days away from his final high school lacrosse game and weeks away from graduating from Massaponax High School. He was also a football player at the school.
“You were the best boyfriend, person, brother, son and friend that anyone could ask for,” Malinda Garcia, Bosworth’s girlfriend, wrote in an Instagram post.
Spotsylvania County deputies this week arrested Tyler Chase Butler, aged 27, in the incident on charges of second-degree murder, malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
Education
Charges and allegations
Following the recent shooting, Tyler Chase Butler is currently facing multiple serious charges. His charges include second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. According to the official court documents, the teens had previously recorded similar pranks at other homes in the neighborhood and were unfamiliar with the area. One of the teens told the detectives that they hid after ringing Butler’s doorbell, when gunfire erupted.
Tributes and reactions
The whole incident has unsurprisingly left the entire Massaponax High School community reeling in sorrow. One of his classmates, Khamoni Keys, stated:
He was a very passionate person about stuff, just that he had to go the way he did. It’s been very rough, but I think we’ll all get through it as long as we stay together.”
The school district has reportedly made grief counselors available to students. Officials went on to extend their condolences to Bosworth’s family in a letter while assuring continued support to the affected students and staff.