On May 3, 2025 at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office received a call for a residential burglary in progress, where a resident had fired shots.
Deputies responded to the area of Mckenzie Lane and discovered that two individuals had sustained gunshot wounds and a third individual was unharmed.
Michael Bosworth, Jr. (18) was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The second injured individual is a juvenile, who was treated for minor injuries and released. The third involved individual was also a juvenile and will remain unnamed.
Massaponax High School Senior Killed in Spotsylvania Burglary, Sheriff’s Office Releases New Details
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — Authorities have released further details in the fatal shooting that occurred during an early morning burglary attempt in a quiet Spotsylvania neighborhood, leaving a high school senior dead and another juvenile injured.
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place around 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, in the 2700 block of McKenzie Lane, within the River Club subdivision near Fredericksburg. A 911 call from a resident reported an active break-in attempt and shots fired.
When deputies arrived, they discovered three individuals believed to be involved in the attempted burglary. One of them, 18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr., was found with a gunshot wound to the torso. Bosworth, a senior at Massaponax High School, was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
A second individual, identified only as a juvenile due to their age, suffered a minor gunshot wound and was treated and released. A third juvenile at the scene was uninjured. Authorities have not released the names of the juveniles involved.
Preliminary investigation suggests the trio was attempting to force entry into the home through a rear door when they were confronted by the homeowner. According to police, the homeowner exited the house after hearing the commotion and fired upon the suspects, striking two of them. It is not yet known whether any of the individuals were armed at the time of the shooting.
No charges have been filed at this stage of the investigation, which remains active. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses in an effort to piece together the full sequence of events. “It’s a tragic situation all around,” said Capt. Charles Carey, noting that investigators are working diligently to determine whether the use of force was legally justified.
In the wake of the tragedy, Massaponax High School Principal William Lancaster III addressed the school community in a message expressing sorrow and offering support. “We are deeply saddened to share the news of Michael’s passing,” Lancaster said. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Counselors and school division support teams will be available for students when they return to class on Monday. School officials confirmed that Saturday’s scheduled prom will still be held, with grief resources available to attendees.
Bosworth was just weeks away from graduating. Loved ones describe him as a spirited student with a promising future—now abruptly cut short.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.
As the community grieves the loss of a young life, questions remain about the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter and the involvement of the individuals present that night.