Tragic End to TikTok Prank: Virginia Teen Fatally Shot During 'Ding-Dong Ditch

A late-night prank turns fatal in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, when 18-year-old high school senior Michael Bosworth Jr. was shot and killed during a “ding-dong ditch” prank intended for TikTok.

The Incident

In the early hours of May 3, 2025, Bosworth and two friends were participating in the prank, which involved knocking on doors and running away, while filming for social media. Around 3 a.m., they approached the home of 27-year-old Tyler Chase Butler in Fredericksburg. Butler, reportedly believing a burglary was in progress, opened fire on the teens. Bosworth was critically injured and later died at the hospital; another teen sustained a graze wound, while the third was unharmed.

Legal Actions

Authorities initially withheld charges pending investigation. However, after reviewing video evidence confirming the teens’ intentions were not criminal, Butler was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of use of a firearm in a felony. He is currently held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Community Impact

Bosworth was a student at Massaponax High School, actively involved in lacrosse, football, and wrestling. His death occurred on the day he was scheduled to attend his high school prom, leaving the community in mourning. Friends and family remember him as a passionate and dedicated individual.

Broader Concerns

This incident has sparked discussions about the dangers of social media pranks and the potential for misinterpretation leading to tragic outcomes. Law enforcement officials urge caution and awareness regarding such activities, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks involved.

Written By Fortune Davidson