Teen fatally shot by homeowners after viral prank goes horribly wrong
Topics: Crime, Gun Crime, News, US News, Social Media
Gerrard Kaonga
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Michael Bosworth
Topics: Crime, Gun Crime, News, US News, Social Media
A prank being played by three teenagers resulted in one of their deaths when a homeowner allegedly fired a gun at them.
Earlier this week, police confirmed that 18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr. died after succumbing to injuries he received from being shot.
Police say on May 3 at around 3 am, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia received a call for a residential burglary in progress where shots had been fired.
The incident is believed to be a social media prank that went awry.
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Authorities stated: “Deputies responded to the area of Mckenzie Lane and discovered that two individuals had sustained gunshot wounds and a third individual was unharmed.
“Michael Bosworth, Jr. (18) was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The second injured individual is a juvenile, who was treated for minor injuries and released. The third involved individual was also a juvenile and will remain unnamed.”
According to an ABC 7 News report, the two surviving teenagers spoke to authorities and told their side of the story, insisting it was part of a prank.
They told police they were playing a prank called ‘ding-dong ditch’, where they ring doorbells and run away before the person home can answer. They added they had done this to a few homes and were hoping to upload it online as part of a social media trend.
Police later gave an update on Facebook to confirm that they had arrested the homeowner and have charged him following the shooting.
The Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Facebook page stated: "Tyler Chase Butler (27) of Spotsylvania County was arrested for Murder 2nd degree, Malicious Wounding and 2 counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on no bond."
Bosworth was a senior at Massaponax High School and the incident occurred only a few hours before the school’s prom.
His girlfriend wore the pink bow tie he'd planned to wear on her arm to the prom, which she was forced to attend alone.
She said in an Instagram tribute to Bosworth, which she shared with the Washington Post: "You were the best boyfriend, person, brother, son and friend that anyone could ask for
"I’m so glad I got to share my life with you and learn to love you and cheer you on through everything because you are one of a kind."
A statement issued by school district said they are set to provide support for any of the students who may be impacted by the event.
The statement read: “School counselors will be on site at the event to provide support as needed. Also, when students return to school on Monday, our counseling staff and additional division support team members will be available to provide support to our students and staff as needed.
"If your child needs support, please contact the school so that we can provide assistance. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time."