Latest news with #SpotsylvaniaCounty
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Virginia homeowner reveals why he shot dead a teenage boy playing 'innocent' doorbell prank
The Virginia homeowner who opened fire on a teenage boy playing a prank on his doorstep says he thought the boy was trying to break into his home - so he opened fire. Michael Alan Bosworth Jr., 18, was killed when the 'ding dong ditch' prank took a violent turn on May 3. He had knocked on the door of Tyler Chase Butler, 27, in the early hours of the morning. Butler told police he thought the youngster was trying to burglarize him - so he opened fire to defend himself and his property. The tragedy occurred in the rural town of Fredricksburg, Virginia, 58 miles north of Richmond, the state capital, just hours before Bosworth was to attend the school prom later the same day with his girlfriend of three years. Butler allegedly opened fire after the three friends performed the social media stunt at his home. Bosworth was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries. One of the other two friends was also allegedly grazed by a bullet fired by Butler but survived. A May 6 statement by Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said Butler was arrested for second degree murder, malicious wounding and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail with no bond. According to NBC News4 Washington, Butler told told detectives he feared the teens were trying to break into his home. A search warrant affidavit reportedly obtained by NBC News, one of the surviving teens told detectives that the friends were recording ding-dong ditch pranks for a TikTok video, which involves ringing doorbells then running away. The teen explained that they had already been to a couple of homes in the neighborhood and that he was not familiar with the area. Sports fan Bosworth, a student at Massaponax High School, reportedly played lacrosse and football and was also on the wrestling team. The sheriff's office also revealed that deputies initially responded to reports of a burglary in progress on McKenzie Lane 'where a resident had fired shots'. His devastated girlfriend Malinda Garcia, a cheerleader at the same school, paid tribute to the slain teen as she attended prom without him. She wore Bosworth's bow tie on her wrist to the event, saying he was 'by her side' in spirit. 'Nothing can explain the way I feel right now,' the teenager wrote on her Instagram account on Sunday as she shared a series of photographs from prom and of Bosworth. '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. 'You have been such an amazing boyfriend, these past three years have been my best days of living as even though sometimes everyday isn't easy we always pushed through. 'You were such an amazing person and so many people love you and miss you. This is not fair and you did not deserve this at all. 'You stay forever in my heart and my love for you will never go away. You were the best boyfriend, person, brother, son, and friend that anyone could ask for.' The boy who was grazed by a bullet said videos on the teenagers' phones prove that they were playing a game, not attempting to break in to Butler's home. He said they were not familiar with the neighborhood and were attempting to flee when shots were fired. Video posted on social media showed Bosworth's friends releasing black and blue balloons on the sports field in his memory on Tuesday. The online memorial adds he is survived by his mother, Rebekah Webb, stepdad Joshua, father Michael Bosworth, Sr.; sister, Isabell Bosworth and brothers Jason Bosworth and Liam Webb, as well as other close family members. One emotional message of condolence on the site read: 'It will forever be long live you my boy. You didn't deserve this at all. Justice will be served!!!! I hope you are dancing in the sky Michael, we will keep you in our hearts always and forever. Rest easy Bos.' Another said of Bosworth, 'he could always make me laugh.' The family will 'receive friends' at a local chapel on May 20 and a 'celebration of life' is scheduled for the following day.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Spotsylvania County middle schooler allegedly sexually assaulted by another student
The Brief A middle school student says she was sexually assaulted by a classmate at school. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office and school officials say they are investigating the incident. FOX 5 spoke with the 15-year-old girl and her older sister about the alleged assault. SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. - The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office is investigating an alleged sexual assault that happened at Post Oak Middle School two days ago. Response From School What we know The alleged victim's father says the school didn't notify parents about the incident, only sending a letter home after FOX 5 started asking questions on Wednesday. In the letter, the principal of Post Oak Middle said, in part, "The school is aware of the allegations of misconduct between two students." The principal also says the school administration immediately began an investigation and contacted the Spostylvania County Sheriff's Office. Alleged Incident at School What We're Told FOX 5 spoke to the 15-year-old girl who reported the incident. We are not identifying either student due to their ages. She says around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, she and a 12-year-old boy walked into a classroom and she claims the boy kissed her, groped her and shoved his hands in her pants. She says she told him to stop but he then pulled his pants down, exposing himself. The teen went home and told her parents, who are out of town, and her 21-year-old sister, who was at home, about what allegedly happened. FOX 5 also spoke with the teen's older sister. She says her sibling is traumatized. "[She's] still, through the roof with anxiety but we're all here to support her," her sister said. "We want justice for my sister. My sister even wants justice for this. She wants him in jail. She really does." Officials Investigating What they're saying In a written statement, Spostylvania County Public School officials say, "This is an ongoing investigation being conducted in cooperation with the Sheriff's Office, our safety and security team, and all parties involved with this allegation." It's not yet known if the accused student will face any disciplinary action by the school. The Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate.
