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 buddies round 3 a.m. on a Saturday. The lethal encounter has ignited debate over race, self-defense, and the implications of social media stunts gone improper.
In response to 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 outdoors his house in Spotsylvania County, killing Bosworth and injuring one other. A 3rd teen was unhurt.
Bosworth was a student-athlete at Massaponax Excessive College, the place he performed soccer, lacrosse, and wrestled. In response to 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 kids had been making an attempt to interrupt into his house 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 informed deputies they had been simply filming pranks, and one confirmed officers a video as proof.
It stays unclear why the boys had been in Butler’s yard or whether or not he knew they had been pulling a prank earlier than opening fireplace. Neighbors informed reporters they had been additionally frightened by the kids’ habits that night time, with some fearing break-ins.
“I’m sorry the child did that,” mentioned native resident Shawn Morrell. “I want he hadn’t, as a result of he paid the last word worth. No person desires that final result—not even the home-owner.”
Butler is at the moment being held with out bond on the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The case remains to be below investigation because the group grapples with questions on race, self-defense, and accountability.
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