Virginia high school senior shot and killed while participating in a ding-dong-ditch prank video.

A tragic incident unfolded in Fredericksburg, Virginia, when an 18-year-old high school student was shot and killed while participating in a social media prank known as “ding-dong-ditch.” The victim, identified as Michael Bosworth Jr., was a senior at Massaponax High School. The shooting occurred in the early hours of May 3, 2025, prompting an immediate response from the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office following a 911 call regarding a burglary in progress.

According to reports, Bosworth and two friends were engaged in filming a TikTok video and partaking in the prank, which involves ringing a doorbell and fleeing before the occupant answers. As the teenagers were attempting to hide from the homeowner, they were suddenly fired upon. Bosworth sustained life-threatening injuries and was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. One other teen was also shot but survived with treatment, while the third individual was unharmed.

The shooter, identified as Tyler Chase Butler, aged 27, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. As of May 6, he is being held without bond. The surviving teenagers were not charged in connection with the incident.

This tragic event occurred just hours before the teenagers were set to attend their prom and one week prior to graduation, casting a pall over the local community. The shooting has resonated particularly due to its similarity to other recent incidents across the United States. Notably, this includes the case of a young woman who was shot while trying to turn around in a driveway in New York, and another case in Missouri where a boy was shot after mistakenly ringing the doorbell of the wrong house while looking for his siblings.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns over gun violence in the United States, particularly in situations involving young people engaging in seemingly innocent activities. Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting as the affected community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy. The combination of these events has sparked renewed conversations about safety and accountability in both public and private spaces. As the community mourns, the impacts of this incident will likely reverberate for years to come.

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