An 18-year-old Virginia high school senior was fatally shot while filming a TikTok prank known as “ding dong ditch” around 3 a.m. on May 3. Michael Bosworth Jr., a student-athlete at Massaponax High School, was out with friends recording prank videos when they rang a doorbell and ran from the property of Tyler Chase Butler, 27, who mistook the teens for burglars.
Police say Butler reported a break-in attempt, claiming the teens tried to kick down a door. However, surviving friends shared video footage and explained they were simply playing the doorbell prank—a viral challenge on TikTok. While running away to hide, Butler allegedly opened fire, striking Bosworth in the torso. He later died at the hospital.
Butler has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use of a firearm during a felony. A second teen was also injured but survived. The third friend was not harmed.
Bosworth was set to attend prom the same night he was killed. His girlfriend later shared a tribute online, wearing the pink bowtie he had planned to wear. “You were the best boyfriend, person, brother, son and friend that anyone could ask for,” she wrote. Butler remains in custody without bond.
