Nationwide — Tyler Chase Butler, a 27-year-old African American man from Spotsylvania County, Virginia, has been charged with homicide after fatally capturing 18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr., a white highschool senior who was in his yard filming TikTok pranks with pals round 3 a.m. on a Saturday. The lethal encounter has ignited debate over race, self-defense, and the results of social media stunts gone unsuitable.
In line with NBC 4 Washington, Butler was arrested and now faces expenses of second-degree homicide, malicious wounding, and two counts of utilizing a firearm within the fee of a felony. Authorities say he opened fireplace on three white teenagers exterior his residence in Spotsylvania County, killing Bosworth and injuring one other. A 3rd teen was unhurt.
Bosworth was a student-athlete at Massaponax Excessive Faculty, the place he performed soccer, lacrosse, and wrestled. In line with police, the group had been recording a “ding dong ditch” prank for TikTok—ringing doorbells and operating away—when the capturing occurred.
Butler claimed he believed the teenagers have been making an attempt to interrupt into his residence and referred to as 911 to report a housebreaking in progress. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Workplace responded to the decision of pictures fired. Upon arrival, the surviving teenagers reportedly advised deputies they have been simply filming pranks, and one confirmed officers a video as proof.
It stays unclear why the boys have been in Butler’s yard or whether or not he knew they have been pulling a prank earlier than opening fireplace. Neighbors advised reporters they have been additionally frightened by the teenagers’ conduct that night time, with some fearing break-ins.
“I’m sorry the child did that,” stated native resident Shawn Morrell. “I want he hadn’t, as a result of he paid the last word value. No one needs that consequence—not even the house owner.”
Butler is presently being held with out bond on the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The case remains to be beneath investigation because the neighborhood grapples with questions on race, self-defense, and accountability.
