Virginia homeowner reveals why he shot dead a teenage boy playing 'innocent' doorbell prank
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.
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