Deadly Home Burglary in Spotsylvania County: One Teen Killed, Two Others Involved
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A violent confrontation in the early hours of Saturday morning has left one teenager dead and another injured following a reported residential burglary in progress in a quiet neighborhood just off McKenzie Lane. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on May 3, 2025, when deputies responded to an emergency call about a break-in during which a resident fired shots.
Upon arrival, deputies found three individuals allegedly involved in the burglary attempt — two of whom had sustained gunshot wounds. One of the injured, identified as 18-year-old Michael Bosworth, Jr., was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite emergency medical efforts, Bosworth succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
The second individual, a juvenile, was treated for minor gunshot injuries and released. The third individual, also a juvenile, was not physically harmed during the incident. Due to their age, neither of the juveniles is being publicly identified.
A Community in Shock
The neighborhood near McKenzie Lane was quiet on Saturday morning, with law enforcement remaining on the scene for several hours as detectives processed evidence and canvassed the area. Yellow crime scene tape surrounded the home, and neighbors described being startled awake by the sound of sirens and the ensuing police activity.
“It’s very unsettling,” one local resident told reporters. “This is normally such a peaceful neighborhood. To hear that a teenager lost his life like this is heartbreaking.”
A Complicated Investigation
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded when the homeowner was alerted to suspicious activity at the residence and encountered multiple intruders. In the chaos, the resident fired a weapon, striking Bosworth and the juvenile.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the individuals involved were armed or what motivated the alleged break-in. Investigators are working to piece together the timeline of events, including what prompted the shooting and whether the use of force was legally justified under Virginia’s self-defense and home protection laws.
“This is a complex and active investigation,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Our detectives are working diligently to determine the exact sequence of events and the roles of those involved. At this time, no charges have been filed, and the case remains under review.”
Questions and Legal Implications
The incident has sparked discussions in the community and beyond about Virginia’s laws concerning homeowners’ rights, particularly the conditions under which lethal force may be used during a home invasion. While Virginia does not have a formal “Stand Your Ground” law, residents are generally allowed to use reasonable force — including deadly force — to protect themselves against intruders inside their homes under certain circumstances.
As of now, the identity of the homeowner has not been released, and it remains unclear whether they will face any charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
Remembering Michael Bosworth, Jr.
Friends and family of Michael Bosworth, Jr., the young man who died in the incident, are mourning his loss. Social media tributes describe him as a vibrant, outgoing teenager whose life came to a tragic end far too soon. Though his involvement in the alleged burglary has raised many questions, those who knew him say he was more than a headline.
“Michael made mistakes, like a lot of teenagers,” said a family friend. “But he didn’t deserve to die. This is a tragedy, no matter how you look at it.”
What Comes Next
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the events of May 3 to come forward. Investigators are reviewing forensic evidence, witness statements, and possible surveillance footage from nearby homes to reconstruct the full story.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office has promised to share more information as it becomes available and reassured the public that the safety of the community remains a top priority.
This case continues to unfold, and further updates are expected in the coming days as officials determine whether criminal charges will be pursued.
If you have information related to this incident, please contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 582-7115.