A Virginia man has been convicted of second-degree murder after opening fire on a group of teenagers who were playing a late-night “ding dong ditch” prank, killing an 18-year-old high school senior just days before his graduation.
Tyler Butler of Spotsylvania County was found guilty Thursday of second-degree murder in the May 2025 shooting death of Michael Bosworth Jr. The jury also convicted Butler of attempted second-degree murder, malicious wounding, multiple firearm charges and two counts related to unlawfully shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Bosworth, a senior at Massaponax High School, was just one week away from graduating when he was killed.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Bosworth and two other teenagers were in the neighborhood during the early morning hours, participating in what they described as a “ding dong ditch” prank. The teens had reportedly been banging or kicking doors and garages before fleeing.
Doorbell-camera footage played in court showed Butler firing approximately 10 shots at the teenagers as they were in or near his backyard. Bosworth was killed, while two other teens were shot, including one who was wounded in the back.
The teenagers testified that they had entered Butler’s property while attempting to get away from police after officers had been called to the neighborhood. They said they never attempted to enter Butler’s home and were trying to leave when Butler opened fire.
Butler’s defense argued that he believed someone was breaking into the home he shared with his mother and that he was acting in self-defense. His family testified that they heard banging and feared an intruder was attempting to enter the house. Butler’s mother also called 911, telling dispatchers she believed she had heard gunshots and was frightened.
Prosecutors, however, argued that Butler’s actions went beyond lawful self-defense, pointing to the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the video evidence showing him firing at the teens.
The verdict brings an end to a case that sparked widespread debate over the consequences of viral prank challenges and the limits of self-defense.
Spotsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ryan Mehaffey said the jury’s verdict reflected careful consideration of the case and expressed hope that it would provide some measure of comfort to Bosworth’s family.
“Murder is a trauma that does not end,” Mehaffey said in a statement, according to NBC Washington.
Butler remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2026.
Bosworth’s death has continued to resonate with his family, friends and former classmates, who were preparing to celebrate his graduation before his life was cut short.
What began as a social-media-inspired prank ultimately ended with a teenager dead, another wounded and a Virginia homeowner facing a lengthy prison sentence.
