Two British teens are facing murder charges after allegedly killing a 16-year-old transgender girl who reportedly filmed one of her TikTok videos in an area where the murder took place.
According to Fox News Digital, Chesire police found Brianna Ghey deceased Saturday afternoon, in what Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans called a “targeted” attack. Her body was found at the Culchetch Linear Park in Warrington.
Police said Ghey had been stabbed to death and left on a path in the park. Prosecutor Leanne Gallagher said Wednesday that the victim’s death was “extremely brutal and punishing.”
Evans added that investigators are looking into whether the attack was a hate crime, although, at this time, they haven’t found any evidence of it.
“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,” he said. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate related.”
The Guardian reports that the defendants, identified as a boy and girl, both 15, appeared remotely at the Liverpool crown court on Thursday, from a youth detention facility. Their parents reportedly watched the brief hearing in tears, while sitting in the courtroom’s public gallery.
Judge Aubrey KC formally charged the defendants with murder and ordered them to remain behind bars at this time, without bail.
Brianna’s family issued a tribute following her death, describing her as “much-loved” and “beautiful.”
“She was a larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her. 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.”
Meanwhile, the judge set a provisional trial in the case for July 10, and a pre-trial hearing for May 2.
“In the meantime, I’m satisfied that the necessary conditions apply in your case,” Aubrey said. “There are no representations to the contrary at this stage of the proceedings and so it is that each of you will be remanded into youth detention accommodation.”
Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode below.
[Featured image: Handout]
