Brianna Ghey trial opens today
Two teenagers are accused of her murder
Two 16-year-olds, who cannot be identified due to their ages, are due to go on trial this morning accused of murdering 16-year-old Brianna Ghey in Warrington.
The boy and girl were arrested by Cheshire Police on February 12, 2023. The force labelled the killing as a "targeted attack."
On February 15, the suspects were charged with murder, denied bail, and placed in youth detention. The next day, they appeared via video link in a short hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.
Judge David Aubrey remanded them in youth detention until a pre-trial preparation hearing scheduled for May 2, 2023, where they were expected to enter their pleas. However, they weren't required to plead and were remanded until another hearing on May 11. During a pre-trial hearing on July 20, one suspect pleaded not guilty, and another pre-trial hearing on October 4 saw the other suspect also pleading not guilty.
The trial is anticipated to last three to four weeks.
Who was Brianna Ghey?
Brianna Ghey was a 16-year-old transgender girl from Warrington in Cheshire. The Birchwood Community High School student was known for her vibrant personality. Her parents described her as a "larger-than-life character" who left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Despite her positive impact, it's claimed Brianna faced years of transphobic harassment and bullying, including distressing incidents of being "gang beaten" at school.
Brianna was active on TikTok where she gained followers for her videos miming and dancing to popular songs. Tragically, one of her final TikToks hinted at her feeling excluded from school. After her death, her TikTok account was deleted.
What happened to Brianna Ghey?
On Saturday 11th February (2023,) Brianna was discovered with multiple stab wounds in Culcheth Linear Park by a member of the public. Emergency services were called, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The attack was described as "extremely brutal and punishing." An inquest into Brianna's death was initiated, and her funeral took place on March 15, 2023.
Aftermath of her death:
Following Brianna's death, a TikTok memorial account and a GoFundMe page were created by her friends, raising £70,000 in three days to support her family.
Candlelight vigils were held across the UK and in Ireland, with overwhelming support and messages of compassion for Brianna's family.
Mourners pay their respects
Mourners pay their respects
Despite this solidarity, challenges arose, including a no-fly zone over the crime site due to drone flights and the misgendering of Brianna in her death certificate. Efforts to petition for a posthumous correction were rejected by the government, sparking a broader conversation about gender recognition for minors.
Brianna's death elicited emotional responses from her family, the local community, politicians, and various organizations. Public figures, including Labour Party members, condemned the media's use of Brianna's 'deadname' (birth name) and called for respect towards her identity.
The LGBTQ community, musicians, and charities expressed grief and support, emphasizing the ongoing struggles for the safety and dignity of transgender individuals.