A jury convicted a Spotsylvania man of murder and other charges late Thursday night, months after he shot and killed a teenager playing a game of “ding dong ditch” with friends.
Tyler Butler was convicted of second-degree murder for killing Michael Bosworth Jr. just one week before Bosworth was set to graduate from high school in May 2025.
WRC
WRC Michael Bosworth Jr. was shot and killed one week before his high school graduation.
Butler had claimed he shot at Bosworth and two other teens in self-defense, with his defense saying he and his mother were scared someone was trying to break into their house.
The jury also convicted Butler of attempted second-degree murder for shooting the two other teens in the back, along with malicious wounding and multiple gun charges.
Video shows Butler on his own doorbell camera, firing 10 shots at the teens who were just in his backyard.
“The jury verdict reflects great care in their deliberations,” Spotsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ryan Mehaffey said in a statement about the case. “I am thankful for the professionalism exhibited by the trial team and by our law enforcement partners at the Sheriff’s Office. Murder is a trauma that does not end, but I pray the family of the deceased victim finds some solace in the jury’s verdict.”
This week at trial, one of the teens testified they were two houses away when Bosworth opened fire.
The teens admitted to kicking a garage several times, hiding and then going back to do it again. They testified that they left to avoid officers who were called and were arriving in the neighborhood.
Butler’s mother called 911, saying she thought she heard gunshots and that she was scared.
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WRC Tyler Butler was convicted of second-degree murder after he shot at a group of teens playing ding dong ditch. His defense said he fired in self-defense, fearing the teens were trying to break into the house he lived in with his parents.
Then the teens climbed Butler’s fence, they say to avoid police, and left through the gate to get away.
The Butlers testified they heard banging at their back door, thought someone was breaking in and that Butler grabbed his gun and went out front.
The teens said they never touched Butler’s home and that they just cut through the yard to get away from police. As they were leaving, Butler opened fire.
Butler is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 30.
