Man Charged in Deadly TikTok Prank Appears in Hampton Court on Unrelated Charges
Hampton, VA — The man at the center of a deadly incident tied to a TikTok prank made a court appearance Wednesday morning in Hampton General District Court, though the visit was not related to the highly publicized shooting. Tyler Chase Butler, 27, stood before the court to address two misdemeanor charges—violating a protective order and disseminating images of a person—both of which were set aside during the hearing.
The courtroom appearance comes in the shadow of a far more serious legal battle that Butler is facing in Spotsylvania County, where he has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the May 3 shooting death of 32-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr. The incident, which quickly gained national attention, is reportedly linked to a prank gone wrong that was being filmed for TikTok, underscoring growing concerns about the dangerous lengths some individuals go to for social media content.
While few official details have been released about the TikTok video or what led up to the fatal confrontation, investigators in Spotsylvania have confirmed that Butler and Bosworth did not know each other prior to the incident. According to preliminary reports, the shooting occurred after an altercation during the filming of a prank video in which Bosworth may have felt threatened or provoked. Butler allegedly fired a weapon, fatally injuring Bosworth at the scene.
Butler was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder, a felony charge that could carry a significant prison sentence if he is convicted. As the case unfolds, it is likely to spark broader conversations about the blurred lines between entertainment, personal safety, and criminal liability in the age of viral video culture.
In Hampton, Butler’s unrelated charges raised their own red flags. The violation of a protective order suggests a prior history of legal or interpersonal conflict, while the dissemination of images charge may indicate allegations involving digital privacy violations. However, both cases were “set aside,” a procedural move that often means the charges are deferred or dismissed pending further review or under certain conditions.
The court proceedings in Hampton were quiet but tense, with no comment made by Butler or his attorney regarding the murder charge in Spotsylvania. As of now, Butler remains in custody as legal proceedings continue in both jurisdictions.
The fatal shooting of Michael Bosworth Jr. has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the broader online audience, many of whom are grappling with the tragic consequences of reckless online stunts. Bosworth, described by family and friends as a kind and grounded individual, leaves behind loved ones still searching for answers—and justice.
Authorities are urging the public to consider the real-world dangers of social media pranks that test boundaries or provoke fear, emphasizing that what might seem like a joke can escalate into irreversible tragedy.
Butler is expected to face further court appearances related to the murder charge in the coming weeks. The investigation is ongoing.