Homeowner in Virginia accused of killing teen filming 'ding dong ditch' TikTok prank
A Virginia teenager was allegedly shot and killed by a homeowner while filming TikTok prank videos with friends, according to authorities and a search warrant obtained by USA TODAY.
The Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office said officers received a call about a residential burglary in progress around 3 a.m. on May 3.
Tyler Chase Butler, 27, a resident of McKenzie Lane, is accused of shooting and killing 18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr. during the incident.
The teenager's friends told deputies that they were filming TikTok videos of them doing a "ding dong ditch" prank when they were shot at, according to the warrant.
Butler was arrested on May 6 and charged with several crimes, including second-degree murder.
Bosworth was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries, police said.
A second individual, who police said is a juvenile, was also shot and treated for minor injuries. A third person was not injured, police said.
According to the search warrant, Bosworth's friends told police they were knocking on doors in the area as part of a "ding dong ditch" prank they planned to upload to TikTok.
The long-running game involves knocking on a person's door and running away before they can answer.
The teens said they were shot while running to hide after knocking on a door. They also said they weren't familiar with the neighborhood.
Butler was charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, police said. He was arraigned on May 7 and is set to have a preliminary hearing on June 18, court records show.
Bosworth was a senior at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg, which held its prom hours after his death.
In a message to the district, shared with USA TODAY, Principal William Lancaster said the school is offering counseling staff and other support to students.
"Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time," Lancaster said.
Melina Khan is a trending reporter covering national news for USA TODAY. She can be reached at MKhan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Homeowner in Virginia accused of shooting teen recording TikTok prank
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