Spotsylvania County, Virginia — A 27-year-old man was taken into custody this week and charged with second-degree murder following a deadly shooting incident tied to an alleged break-in over the weekend. Tyler Chase Butler was arrested on May 6, after authorities linked him to the gunfire that left one teenager dead and another wounded early Saturday morning.
The events unfolded around 3 a.m. on May 3, when Butler reported a burglary in progress at a residence on McKenzie Lane. According to deputies, he confronted three individuals attempting to enter his home and subsequently discharged his weapon, resulting in one of the suspects being struck.
Eighteen-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr. suffered fatal injuries from the shooting and was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. A second suspect, a juvenile, received treatment for non-life-threatening wounds and was later released. A third juvenile involved in the incident was unharmed, and authorities have not disclosed their identities due to age restrictions.
In addition to the murder charge, Butler faces charges of malicious wounding and multiple counts related to the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is currently being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without the possibility of bond.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation is ongoing but has not revealed what specifically led to the additional charges against Butler. They are urging anyone with information regarding the case to come forward and assist in the inquiry.
As the community grapples with this tragic event, local law enforcement remains committed to uncovering the detailed circumstances surrounding the shooting.