Virginia High School Football Player killed while Doing a Prank for Tik Tok Hours before his Prom

A tragic incident unfolded early Saturday morning in Fredericksburg, Virginia, when a local homeowner allegedly shot and killed a high school athlete during a doorbell prank gone wrong.

According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, 18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr., a senior and three-sport athlete, was fatally shot after he and two friends knocked on a door as part of a “ding dong ditch” prank around 3 a.m. The group reportedly planned to record the prank for TikTok.

The homeowner, 27-year-old Tyler Chase Butler, was arrested Tuesday and charged with second-degree murder and other related offenses. Authorities initially responded to what was reported as a possible burglary attempt. However, an injured teen at the scene told investigators the prank was never intended as a break-in.

The investigation is ongoing as the community mourns the loss of a promising young student. Bosworth Jr. was gunned down the same day as his high school prom — which was scheduled that evening.

Butler is facing charges of second-degree murder, malicious wounding and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, the sheriff’s office said.