Brianna Ghey: Outrage after police claim no evidence of hate crime after murder of trans girl, 16
A 16-year-old trans girl by the name of Brianna Ghey was found with multiple fatal stab wounds on a path at Linear Park in Culcheth, Warrington by members of the public. Emergency services pronounced Ghey dead at the scene.
Ghey is transgender and had been living as a girl for several months. Whilst the Cheshire Police say there is no evidence to suggest the killing was “hate-related”, they are urging anyone with any information to come forward and contact the Cheshire constabulary. They admit that it was likely a “targeted” attack, however, which was most likely a result of her gender identity, as the violence towards trans people continues into 2023.
In 2021, 2,630 Hate Crimes were recorded by the police to the Home Office, an increase of an alarming 16% from the previous year. 88% of transgender people did not report the violence against them to the police, and 48% were not satisfied with police response following serious incidents.
The British media are continuing to deadname Brianna Ghey, sparking outrage online. Trans Safety Network tweeted that: “We are appalled to note that the Times have now updated their article on the killing of Brianna Ghey to remove all references to her being a girl and to add her deadname.”
“Rest in peace, Brianna Ghey,” tweeted Nadia Whittome, MP. “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.”
“Two teens were arrested on suspicion of murder in the violent stabbing death of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old trans girl,” writes one user. “They weren’t born with this hatred, they were taught. In that, the British media is complicit.” A further tweet details that due to the Gender Recognition Act 2004 “Brianna Ghey’s death certificate cannot list her gender as female. As a final insult, the English government will officially misgender her in death.”
Brianna Ghey’s family posted a statement as a tribute to their daughter today, which read “Brianna was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister. 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.”
