Virginia homeowner charged with murder after shooting high school teen during attempted break-in, sheriff says
Share this @internewscast.com

A man from Virginia has been charged with murder after authorities claim he shot a high school student he suspected was attempting to break into his home, though the surviving teenagers assert they were participating in a ding-dong-ditch prank for TikTok.

Tyler Chase Butler, age 27, is facing a second-degree murder charge for the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr., as reported by the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office. In addition to murder, Butler is also charged with malicious wounding and two counts of using a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Legal specialists indicated to Fox News Digital that the case will hinge on whether Butler employed an appropriate level of force and if he genuinely believed his life was in immediate danger.

“The individual facts are really going to shed light on are the charges against Mr. Butler valid or unjust,” Jessica Ledingham, a federal litigator and criminal defense attorney said, adding that the charges would make sense if the teens were outside his home, where they are less likely to be perceived as a threat.

Jamie E. Wright, a Los Angeles trial attorney and founder of the Wright Law Firm, told Fox News Digital that “stand your ground” or “castle doctrine” laws vary in each state, though “most don’t give blanket permission to use lethal force simply to protect property.”

“Based on what’s been reported, shooting at teenagers involved in a prank, even one as reckless as a late-night ding-dong-ditch, is unlikely to meet that legal standard,” Wright said. “Social media challenges like this can certainly escalate tensions and lead to tragic misunderstandings, but they don’t typically create a legal justification for deadly self-defense.”

Madeline Summerville, a national trial attorney and legal analyst, told Fox News Digital that “castle doctrine” laws allow for the use of deadly force to prevent an aggressor from entering your home – if the homeowner truly believes their life is in danger.

“Every case is different, however, and the applicability of the castle doctrine in this case will rest upon whether the Defendant truly believed he was in imminent danger of bodily harm or death,” Summerville said.

Bosworth was a multi-sport athlete at Massaponax High School. His classmates held a vigil for him on Tuesday night.

Butler was being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on no bond.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
MSNBC Trivializes the Holocaust to Score Political Points on Trump and 'Alligator Alcatraz'

MSNBC Minimizes the Holocaust to Politicize Trump and ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

The article, “Don’t call it ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ Call it a concentration camp,”…
Trump says US will begin talks with China on possible TikTok deal as early as Monday

Trump Announces Potential TikTok Negotiations with China to Start Monday

President Trump said he will begin talks with China in coming days…
Chicago NASCAR race today: NASCAR Xfinity Series race The Loop 110 to take off in Grant Park Saturday; Cup Series happening Sunday

Chicago NASCAR Race Update: Xfinity Series ‘The Loop 110’ Hits Grant Park Saturday; Cup Series Scheduled for Sunday

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s third NASCAR Street Race will get underway on…
Houston-born Heart O' the Hills camp director dies in Kerr County floods

Director of Heart O’ the Hills Camp, a Native Houstonian, Passes Away in Kerr County Flooding

“We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives…
Bobby Jenks, 2-time All-Star and former White Sox closer, dies at 44

Former White Sox Closer and Two-Time All-Star Bobby Jenks Passes Away at 44

He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while…
Texas flood survivors share harrowing stories, search continues for those still missing

Texas Flood Survivors Share Dramatic Experiences as Search Efforts Persist for the Missing

As officials continue to verify fatalities and search for people missing following…
Donald and Melania Trump on a White House balcony with an American flag.

Donald and Melania Trump Charm Audience with Heartwarming Balcony Appearance Amid Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

DONALD Trump and Melania have warmed hearts with their PDA-packed appearance while…
Brooks Nader's period stain steals the spotlight during wardrobe mishap at Wimbledon

Brooks Nader’s Wardrobe Blunder at Wimbledon: Period Stain Catches Attention

Brooks Nader poked fun at herself after unexpectedly getting her period during…
Indianapolis street scene with police cars and crime scene tape after a mass shooting.

Two Dead and Multiple Injured in Indianapolis Mass Shooting Amid Large Teen Gathering

TWO people have died and several are injured after a mass shooting…
Man in a black jacket holding a red chainsaw.

Elon Musk Unveils New Political Party to Restore American ‘Freedom’ Following Fallout with Trump and Departure from White House

ELON Musk has launched a new political following his explosive row with…
Jason Kelce slammed for 'tone deaf' Fourth of July post about setting aside differences: 'Privilege is showing'

Jason Kelce Criticized for ‘Insensitive’ Independence Day Post on Setting Aside Differences: ‘Shows Privilege’

Jason Kelce encountered criticism on social media following his remarks urging people…
Serial killer fears grip Texas community after dozens of bodies pulled from lake: 'Cannot be ignored'

Fears of a Serial Killer Spread in Texas Town as Multiple Bodies Discovered in Lake: ‘We Must Pay Attention’

The mysterious circumstances surrounding a Texas lake have caused unease in the…