Brianna Ghey: What we know about death of trans girl as teenagers go on trial for murder

Two teens will go on trial on Monday accused of the murder of transgender teenager Brianna Ghey.

Brianna, 16, was found with fatal wounds on a path in Culcheth Linear Park, near Warrington, Cheshire, shortly after 3pm on Saturday 11 February this year.

A girl and a boy, both aged 15 at the time and from the local area, were arrested and charged with the murder of Brianna, a pupil at Birchwood High School, Warrington.

Both defendants, now aged 16, will appear at Manchester Crown Court later on Monday for the start of their trial, expected to last between three and four weeks. Both deny murder.

Neither accused can be named by court order because of their age and are identified only as girl X, from Warrington, and boy Y, from Leigh, Greater Manchester.

Both are held in secure youth accommodation.

A jury is expected to be selected later on Monday before the trial begins before Mrs Justice Yip.

An inquest into Brianna's death was opened and adjourned in March until after the trial.

Following her death, people gathered for candlelit vigils at Old Market Place in Warrington, St George’s Hall in Liverpool and College Green in Bristol.

Brianna Ghey: Family tributes

Brianna's family described her as "fearless" and a "larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her".

In a statement released after her death, the teen's family 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 statement continued: "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."

Friends and fellow pupils at Brianna's school left tributes at the park, as well as on social media.

Emma Mills, the 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."

Where and when was Brianna Ghey killed?

Brianna Ghey, 16, from Birchwood, was found stabbed in Culcheth Linear Park, Warrington at about 3.15pm on Saturday 11 February.

She was found on a path by members of the public.

The emergency services were called but Brianna was pronounced dead at the scene, Cheshire Police said.

Tributes to Brianna Ghey

As well as the tribute from the teen's family, well-wishers inundated her popular TikTok account with messages and comments, with one describing the 16-year-old as a "sweet angel".

Messages were posted under videos of the 16-year-old expressing herself, lip-synching to songs and trying on different outfits.

One fan wrote: "Oh you sweet angel. I’m so sorry Brianna, you didn’t deserve this. So beautiful and so young, absolutely heartbreaking. How could anyone do this."

A video posted to Brianna's TikTok account, @gingerpuppyx, on the day she died, received thousands of comments.

One said: "So gorgeous. so sad to see people in the world taken too soon, and in the worst ways."

Two friends, Victoria and Jacob Potter, set up a GoFundMe appeal for Brianna's family, which raised more than £114,000.

Watch: Candlelit vigils held for trans teen Brianna Ghey