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A homeowner has been accused of fatally shooting a teen after a viral prank went horribly wrong.
Michael Bosworth Jr. was fatally wounded on May 3 at around 3 am in Virginia after a homeowner reportedly 'gunned' down the 18-year-old.
Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office confirmed officers received reports of a residential burglary taking place in the rural town of Fredricksburg on Mckenzie Lane, where shots had been fired.
Cops said from the get-go that they believed the incident was meant to be for a viral TikTok video that went awry after Bosworth's friends told investigators they were filming the interaction for social media.
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Tyler Chase Butler was arrested and accused of second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony, the county sheriff's office confirmed.
Now, it has been revealed what the 27-year-old said to police as he explained the alleged shooting.
Butler told detectives that Bosworth and two other teens knocked on his doors in the early hours, which seemingly panicked him.
Allegedly believing he was being burglarized, Butler claims to have open fired to defend himself and his property.
Another teen was apparently wounded in the incident after being grazed by a bullet, reports NBC Washington, and they later told cops that the group weren't trying to break in to steal anything.
The high schooler claimed they were recording 'ding-dong ditch' pranks - which involves ringing doorbells on stranger's homes and running away - that they were hoping to upload as part of a viral social media trend. He further stated they were unfamiliar with the neighborhood and were attempting to flee when the shots were fired.
A third teen was also tracked down by cops whose account corroborated with the theory. They also handed over their phone to show a similar video that the trio had filmed earlier that night. The death of the senior at Massaponax High School came just hours before his school's prom.
His girlfriend Malinda Garcia, a cheerleader at the school, was forced to attend her prom alone, and wore the pink bow tie that Bosworth had planned to wear on her arm in memory of him.
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."
She added: "Nothing can explain the way I feel right now. I am at a loss of words and just can’t believe this is even real. I feel like I’m living in my worst nightmare and will wake up from a dream.
"But this is my reality, you will always be cherished in my heart forever."
Bosworth was also an avid sports fan, playing lacrosse, football and was on the school wrestling team.
A tribute was also held in his memory from the sports field on Tuesday with black and blue balloons released.
His family say friends are welcome to join the local chapel on May 20 in a 'celebration' of his life.
Meanwhile, Butler is currently being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail with no bond.