An announcement was made on Thursday that an Oklahoma district attorney has chosen not to press charges in connection with the passing of nonbinary teenager Nex Benedict.
Benedict, a 16-year-old student at Owasso High School near Tulsa, passed away by suicide on Feb. 8, just one day after an altercation in a high school bathroom.
"After reviewing the investigation conducted by the Owasso Police Department, I concur with their conclusion that there is no need to pursue juvenile charges," stated Tulsa County District Attorney Stephen A. Kunzweiler.
"Based on all the evidence collected, it appears that this altercation was a case of mutual combat," Kunzweiler explained. "I do not believe that the State of Oklahoma could meet the burden of proof required for prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt if charges were brought forward."
Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and preferred they/them pronouns, was taken to a hospital by a school nurse right after the incident. While at the hospital, Benedict recounted to police officers that the bathroom altercation began when three girls started harassing them. In response, Benedict threw water at the girls, which then escalated into a fight.
Owassa Police Uncover Notes Related to Teen's Suicide
During the investigation into the death of a teenager named Benedict, Owassa police found brief notes written by Benedict that seemed to be connected to the suicide, according to Kunzweiler. The notes did not mention the altercation or any school-related issues. Benedict's parents also informed officers that Benedict had been "bullied for various reasons while at school," Kunzweiler mentioned.
"Witnesses stated that the altercation lasted less than a minute after Benedict poured water over two girls in the bathroom," Kunzweiler explained. "Allegedly, comments were made about Benedict's laughter, which led to the water pouring incident."
Owassa police were called to investigate Benedict's death the next day, and the state's medical examiner's office determined the cause of death to be suicide on March 13.
Tragic Loss for Benedict's Family
"The death of Benedict is a heartbreaking event for the family who is mourning the loss of a cherished life," Kunzweiler expressed in a statement, adding, "Primarily, we are left with uncertainties about what each of us could have done differently to avert this tragedy."
Benedict's passing sparked demonstrations and candlelight vigils across American cities, stretching from the bustling streets of New York to the sunny shores of Los Angeles. Organizers used this tragic event as a poignant reminder of the ongoing perils and discrimination that the LGBTQ+ community still encounters.
President Joe Biden released a statement expressing his sorrow, saying, "Jill and I are devastated by the loss of Nex. Their passing serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in schools and communities."
He continued, emphasizing the need for action, "In honor of Nex, we must collectively renew our efforts to combat discrimination and tackle the alarming rates of suicide among nonbinary and transgender youth."
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, there is help available:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
For additional mental health care resources and support:
- Contact The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email [email protected]. They are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
