Brianna Ghey was a 16-year-old British transgender girl whose life was tragically taken in a premeditated attack on February 11, 2023, in Culcheth Linear Park, Warrington. A vibrant TikToker and student at Birchwood Community High School, Brianna was known for her “fearless” personality and large social media following. Her murder, committed by two 15-year-old acquaintances later identified as Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, shocked the nation and ignited global conversations regarding transgender rights, the dangers of online radicalization, and the need for improved mental health support for young people.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about Brianna’s background, the details of the 2023 incident, the subsequent high-profile trial that concluded in 2024, and the enduring impact of the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project. We explore how her mother, Esther Ghey, has channeled unimaginable grief into a national campaign for social media reform and mindfulness in schools. This article provides a factual, respectful overview of a case that has humanized the trans experience for many and highlighted the critical importance of protecting vulnerable youth in the digital age.
Who Was Brianna Ghey?
Brianna Ghey was born on November 7, 2006, and grew up in the Birchwood area of Warrington, England. She was a Year 11 student who had been living and dressing as a girl since the age of 14, supported by a loving family who described her as “witty, funny, and fearless.”
Beyond her identity, Brianna was a talented gymnast in her youth and a rising social media presence with tens of thousands of followers on TikTok. She used her platform to post dance skits and lip-sync videos, often helping younger trans girls navigate their own journeys with empathy and humor.
The Culcheth Linear Park Incident
On February 11, 2023, Brianna was lured to Culcheth Linear Park in Cheshire under the guise of meeting a friend. In broad daylight, she was subjected to a “frenzied” attack involving 28 stab wounds, after which the perpetrators fled the scene.
The attack occurred mid-afternoon and was interrupted by dog walkers who discovered Brianna’s body. Despite the efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:02 pm, sparking an immediate and massive police investigation.
The Investigation and Arrests
Cheshire Constabulary acted swiftly, arresting two 15-year-old suspects within 24 hours of the discovery of Brianna’s body. Evidence recovered from the suspects’ homes included a blood-stained hunting knife and handwritten notes detailing a “kill list” that featured Brianna’s name.
Digital forensics played a crucial role, revealing thousands of text messages between the two defendants. These messages documented a weeks-long obsession with torture, serial killers, and a specific plot to murder Brianna because she was “an easy target.”
The 2023-2024 Murder Trial
The trial commenced at Manchester Crown Court in November 2023, where the jury heard harrowing details of the premeditated nature of the crime. Both defendants, initially known only as Girl X and Boy Y due to their age, denied murder and blamed each other for the physical act of stabbing.
On December 20, 2023, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts for both teenagers. The trial highlighted the “joint enterprise” of the murder, concluding that both played integral roles in the planning and execution of the “sadistic” attack.
Sentencing of the Perpetrators
On February 2, 2024, Mrs. Justice Yip lifted reporting restrictions, allowing the killers to be named as Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe. Jenkinson was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 22 years, while Ratcliffe received a minimum of 20 years.
The judge remarked that the murder was “exceptionally brutal” and motivated by a desire to act out violent fantasies. While transphobia was noted as a “secondary motivation” for Ratcliffe, the court emphasized Jenkinson’s primary obsession with serial killers and dark web content.
National Reaction and Vigils
Following Brianna’s death, dozens of vigils were held across the United Kingdom, from London to Liverpool, attended by thousands of mourners. These gatherings became symbols of solidarity for the trans community and a protest against rising hate speech in political discourse.
Campaigners successfully petitioned the government to ensure Brianna’s death certificate correctly reflected her female gender. The overwhelming public support included a GoFundMe page that raised over £100,000 for her family and funeral costs.
The Brianna Ghey Legacy Project
In the wake of the tragedy, Esther Ghey founded the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project (BGLP), a community interest company. The project focuses on two primary goals: improving mental health education in schools and campaigning for stricter digital safety laws.
A key initiative is the Peace in Mind campaign, which raises funds to train teachers in “Mindfulness in Schools” (the .b program). This initiative aims to provide students with the emotional tools needed to navigate modern pressures and avoid the radicalization found in harmful online spaces.
Campaign for Social Media Reform
Esther Ghey has become a prominent advocate for “Brianna’s Law,” a proposed set of regulations aimed at protecting children under 16 from harmful social media content. She has met with top UK politicians to discuss banning social media apps for younger teens and implementing mandatory monitoring software.
The campaign highlights the “addictive” nature of algorithms that pushed violent and self-harm content to both Brianna and her killers. By focusing on tech accountability, the project seeks to prevent future tragedies fueled by digital radicalization.
Impact on Transgender Rights
Brianna’s case brought the “humanized” reality of trans youth to the forefront of British media, often a point of intense political debate. Her family’s dignity and Esther’s call for compassion have been credited with softening the rhetoric surrounding trans rights in the UK.
However, the case also highlighted the vulnerabilities of trans teenagers, who often face higher rates of bullying and isolation. Advocacy groups continue to use Brianna’s story as a catalyst for demanding better protection and healthcare for trans individuals.
Practical Information and Planning
For those looking to support the causes established in Brianna’s name or to visit memorial sites, the following information is relevant:
- How to Donate: Contributions can be made directly via the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project website.
- Volunteering: The project occasionally seeks “Youth Advisory Board” members to help shape school mental health programs.
- Memorial Sites: While Culcheth Linear Park is a public space, visitors are asked to remain respectful of the local community and Brianna’s family.
- Training for Schools: Educators can contact the Peace in Mind campaign to find out how to bring mindfulness training to their institutions.
- Tips for Parents: Esther Ghey encourages parents to use “parental control” apps and maintain open, non-judgmental dialogues about their children’s digital footprints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was responsible for Brianna Ghey’s death?
The murder was carried out by Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, who were both 15 years old at the time of the crime. They were sentenced to life imprisonment in February 2024.
Was Brianna Ghey’s murder a hate crime?
The court ruled that the murder was primarily “sadistic” in nature, though Mrs. Justice Yip noted that transphobia was a secondary motivating factor for one of the killers, Eddie Ratcliffe.
What is the Peace in Mind campaign?
Peace in Mind is a fundraising campaign started by Esther Ghey to bring mindfulness training to every school in Warrington and eventually across the UK to support youth mental health.
What are the proposed changes in “Brianna’s Law”?
The proposed reforms include banning social media for under-16s and making mobile phone manufacturers install child-safety software that alerts parents to harmful searches.
Where is Brianna Ghey buried?
Brianna’s family held a private funeral in Warrington; out of respect for their privacy, the specific location of her final resting place is not widely publicized.
How many times was Brianna Ghey stabbed?
Forensic evidence presented at the trial confirmed that Brianna suffered 28 stab wounds to her head, neck, chest, and back.
Did Brianna Ghey have any siblings?
Yes, Brianna had an older sister named Alisha, with whom she shared a very close bond and a mutual interest in gymnastics.
What was Brianna Ghey’s TikTok handle?
Brianna’s TikTok account was deleted following her death, but she was a well-known creator who posted content under several different monikers throughout her teens.
Can I still visit the memorial in Warrington?
Many people still leave flowers at Culcheth Linear Park; however, official vigils are typically announced by the family or local council on anniversaries.
How long will the killers be in prison?
Scarlett Jenkinson must serve at least 22 years and Eddie Ratcliffe at least 20 years before they are even eligible to apply for parole.
Final Thoughts
The story of Brianna Ghey has evolved from a local tragedy into a national movement that challenges the way society protects its most vulnerable citizens. Through the tireless work of the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project, her family has shifted the public focus from the brutality of her passing to the urgent need for a more compassionate and safe digital environment for all children. The case has become a benchmark in UK legal history, not only for the high-profile conviction of her attackers but also for the subsequent push to regulate the “cesspit” of unregulated social media content.
As of early 2026, the legacy of Brianna Ghey is cemented in the classrooms of Warrington and beyond, where mindfulness training is being piloted to build resilience in the next generation. The ongoing debate over “Brianna’s Law” and the potential ban on social media for under-16s reflects a fundamental shift in the British political landscape—prioritizing child safety over the unchecked growth of big tech. Ultimately, Brianna is remembered not just as a victim of a horrific crime, but as a “fearless” girl whose life and legacy continue to inspire a kinder, more protective society.
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