by The two 15-year-olds arrested in connection with the murder of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl who was found dead on Saturday in Cheshire, UK, were formally charged with murder this Wednesday.
A girl and a boy were arrested on Monday, but only this Tuesday did police say the young woman’s death may be a hate crime, although there is no evidence yet. The direction of the investigation changed after the interrogation of the two young men. Cheshire’s chief constable confirmed to Reuters that “all lines are being investigated, including whether it was a hate crime”.
In statements to The guardianthe police asked to avoid “speculation In connection” and that “care should be taken when misinformation is shared about this case.”
Both defendants were taken to juvenile detention facilities. The judge in charge of the case, John McGarva, refused any bail and insisted that the youths should be held in the juvenile center because of the seriousness of the charge, where they must remain until Thursday, the day they appear at Liverpool Crown Court.
Brianna Ghey was still being treated by emergency services, who were called around 3:00 p.m. Linear Park , after he was found with multiple stab wounds, but was pronounced dead at the scene. The search for the fatal weapon continues and police are looking for more evidence to explain what happened that afternoon at the scene.
vigils multiply
In recent days, several cities in the United Kingdom have become the scene of many vigils in memory of the young woman. To Sky News, the family described Brianna as a “much loved daughter, granddaughter and younger sister”. In Liverpool, one of these tributes drew more than 300 people.
These vigils are organized by friends and family of the 16-year-old and allies of the transgender community to show support and solidarity. The mood of sadness is painted by the color of the LGBTQ+ flags, ever present at the tributes which will continue this week in Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and York.
Taking to Twitter, LGBTQ+ rights group Stonewall UK posted a tribute to the victim on Monday, asking “anyone with information to help police with their enquiries” when they go to the police station.
Our thoughts are with Brianna Ghey, a young trans woman, and her loved ones, following her tragic murder in Cheshire. We are urging anyone who may have information that would assist police in their inquiries to come forward. https://t.co/TqlHAo6MLu
— Stonewall (@stonewalluk) February 13, 2023
According to official UK government statistics, hate crimes and discrimination increased by 26% in 2022 compared to the previous year. In 2021, 1109 cases were reported.
Text edited by Amanda Ribeiro
