No charges over Nex Benedict fight as district attorney claims it was ‘mutual combat’
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An investigation into the tragic death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a transgender teenager who passed away on 8 February after an altercation at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, has revealed that no charges will be filed against anyone involved in the incident. District attorney Stephen Kunzweiler stated that the fight that Benedict was involved in the day before his death was determined to be an instance of mutual combat, leading to the decision not to pursue criminal charges.
The case of Nex Benedict has garnered national and international attention, sparking conversations about LGBTQ+ rights in Oklahoma. The state is currently considering legislation that would restrict changes to sex markers on birth certificates and enforce policies in schools that dictate sex as an immovable biological trait, further complicating the landscape for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.
Following a partial autopsy report from the state’s chief medical examiner, it was revealed that Benedict’s cause of death was combined drug toxicity, with evidence suggesting that he had taken his own life. The investigation also uncovered brief notes written by Benedict that indicated struggles with bullying and personal difficulties at school, although they did not directly reference the altercation or any specific issues.
GLAAD president and chief executive Sarah Kate Ellis criticized the decision not to prosecute anyone in relation to Benedict’s death, emphasizing the lack of value placed on marginalized youth in Oklahoma schools. Ellis called for an independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened to Nex and shed light on the experiences of Indigenous and Two Spirit individuals in educational settings.
The district attorney’s decision to not pursue charges has left many questioning the accountability of school officials, law enforcement, and medical examiners in ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. The call for justice for Nex Benedict continues, with advocates pushing for transparency and fairness in addressing issues of discrimination and violence in schools.
As the case of Nex Benedict continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by transgender and gender-nonconforming youth in navigating educational environments and seeking support from authorities. The need for inclusive policies and proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations remains a critical aspect of ensuring equality and justice for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression.
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