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Brianna Ghey: Two teens charged with murder for stabbing trans influencer, 15, to death in 'targeted attack'

A 15-year-old boy and girl were formally charged with the murder of Brianna Ghey when they appeared before a district judge at Chester magistrates court

WARRINGTON, ENGLAND: Two 15-year-olds have been charged with the murder of a transgender influencer Brianna Ghey, 16. Brianna was found dead in Linear Park in Warrington on Saturday afternoon of February 11. 

The fatal stabbing of Brianna was reportedly a targeted attack, according to reports. She revealed in a TikTok video she had been expelled from school just five days before she was discovered dead.

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Brianna was discovered dead on Path inside Park 

The 15-year-old boy and girl were formally charged with murder on Wednesday when they appeared before a district judge at Chester magistrates court. The teenagers were arrested on Sunday by Cheshire Police near Leigh after locals reported Brianna lying dead on a path in the park on Saturday afternoon, Cheshire Police announced in a Press Release. 

Judge refuses bail for the seriousness of  allegations 

Reports suggest that the victim teenager was bullied for being transgender and that law enforcement was investigating if Ghey was the victim of a hate crime. The accused teenagers held hands during the hearing while the girl's parents sobbed as reported by the Guardian. The teenagers were ordered to be held in youth detention accommodation by Judge John McGarva. The judge even refused the bail citing the seriousness of the allegations. Both have been ordered to appear at Liverpool crown court on Thursday morning.

"Rest in peace, Brianna Ghey," Law Maker Nadia Whittome Tweeted, "Brianna deserved a chance to become a beautiful adult woman, and to live to see a world where trans people are safe and respected. Anyone in the media who is using her deadname and erasing Brianna’s identity should be ashamed of themselves." 

Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans previously said in the news release, “A number of enquiries in relation to this incident are underway and we are doing all that we can to establish the exact circumstances of what has happened." Evans continued to indicate that the crime doesn't seem hate related. "At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate related. Patrols have been stepped up in the local area and officers will remain in the Culcheth area to provide reassurance and address any concerns that residents may have."

'Brianna was strong, fearless, and one of a kind'

Her family in a tribute described Brianna Ghey as a "much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister." In a statement, the family said, "Brianna was beautiful, witty, and hilarious. Brianna was strong, fearless, and one of a kind. The loss of her young life has left a massive hole in our family, and we know that the teachers and her friends who were involved in her life will feel the same," CBC News reported. As of Thursday her GoFundMe had crossed 1,09,539$ mark.