KNIFE ATTACK
Brianna Ghey’s death was ‘extremely brutal and punishing’, court hears – as girl and boy, both 15, charged with murder
THE death of transgender teen Brianna Ghey was "extremely brutal and punishing", a court has heard.
Brianna Ghey was stabbed to death at Linear Park in Culcheth, Warrington on Saturday.
4
4
4
4
Cheshire Police are investigating whether the teenager, who was a transgender girl, was the victim of a hate crime.
A boy and a girl, both 15, appeared in court today charged with her murder.
Prosecutor Leanne Gallagher told the court Brianna's death was "extremely brutal and punishing".
During the 15-minute hearing, the two suspects appeared separately in the dock and spoke only to confirm their names and addresses.
MORE ON CRIME
Both were supported by their parents in court, and were flanked by one dock officer throughout the hearing.
The girl, from Warrington, and the boy, from Leigh, were remanded into youth detention by District Judge Jack McGarva to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.
It comes after police received calls that the teen had been found with serious injuries and raced to the popular park around 3pm.
But tragically Brianna, from the Birchwood area of Warrington in Cheshire, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Most read in The Sun
Cops quickly launched a murder investigation into what they described as a "targeted attack".
On Sunday evening they confirmed two teenagers had been arrested on suspicion of murder.
And this morning they revealed the girl, from Warrington, and boy, from Leigh, had been charged.
The pair have now been remanded into youth detention after appearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court.
It comes after police yesterday revealed they are investigating whether the brutal murder of the transgender teen was a "hate crime".
Cheshire Police previously said there was no evidence to suggest the teen's gender identity played a part in her killing.
But the force issued a fresh statement saying all lines are being explored, including if Brianna was attacked as part of a hate crime.
Brianna was popular on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
One of the teen's final posts showed her smiling for the camera - garnering hundreds of tributes from pals in recent days.
However, some friends also claimed the schoolgirl had been bullied ";for years".
Brianna's family paid tribute to their "strong and fearless" girl.
In a heartbreaking statement, they said: "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.
"We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this extremely difficult time. We would like to thank the police for their support, and witnesses for helping with the investigation.
"The continuation of respect for privacy is greatly appreciated."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Emma Mills, headteacher at Brianna's school Birchwood Community High School, said: "We are shocked and truly devastated to hear of the death of Brianna.
"This is understandably a very difficult and distressing time for many and we will do our utmost to support our pupils and wider school community."
Topics