Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe have been sentenced to life for the violent and sadistic murder of Brianna Ghey. All three were students at Birchwood High School in Warrington. Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender young woman from Birchwood, was outspoken and proud about her identity, according to those who knew her.
On 11 February 2024, she was brutally stabbed to death in Culcheth National Park. Perpetrators Jenkinson and Ratcliffe, both 15 at the time, were arrested the following day and eventually charged with murder. Brianna Ghey suffered 28 stab wounds in what has been determined as a crime of great malicious intent. Interestingly, her transgender identity did not seem to be the primary motive for the killing, given that the perpetrators had a list of five potential victims.
Both Jenkinson and Ratcliffe had troubled histories. Jenkinson had been expelled from her previous school for bringing cannabis edibles onto campus, resulting in a student being hospitalized. This incident was downplayed by parents and school authorities, with Jenkinson warned to perform well at Birchwood or face expulsion once again.
In their seventh year at Culcheth, Jenkinson and Ratcliffe met and formed a peculiar bond. Jenkinson, reportedly calling herself a satanist, later expressed an obsession with Ghey, which Ratcliffe fueled. Jenkinson's unsettling relationship with her boyfriend, including carving his name into her arm, further raises concerns.
She confided in Ratcliffe about her desire to kill two boys who had harmed her boyfriend, believing they deserved death. The duo routinely discussed potential murder methods and sought each other's assistance. Despite Jenkinson's lead, they planned Ghey's murder two weeks before the intended date, which was postponed due to a family dinner. The murder itself was interrupted by dog walkers, prompting the perpetrators to quickly flee from the scene.
Within 24 hours, authorities apprehended the perpetrators and began collecting evidence, including the murder weapon, and a hunting knife, found in Ratcliffe's room. Despite initially denying involvement, telecom evidence and incriminating messages led to their confession. Evidence revealed Jenkinson's obsession with serial killers and her description of Ratcliffe as a sociopath.
It was also discovered that Jenkinson attempted to poison Brianna Ghey with ibuprofen before seeking Ratcliffe's assistance.
Initially identified as Girl X and Boy Y due to their status as minors, they were named during sentencing after the judge lifted the anonymity order. Jenkinson was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years, and Ratcliffe to a minimum of 20. Given the heinous and meticulously planned nature of their crimes, they are likely to serve their full life sentences.
The judge, Mrs Justice Yip, described Scarlett Jenkinson as "exceptionally brutal," "sadistic," and the "driving force" behind the killing. The judge remarked that Jenkinson had been driven by a fantasy to inflict pain and fear on a real victim. Furthermore, Jenkinson expressed a desire to kill again, showed no remorse, and admitted to enjoying her role in the murder.
Eddie Ratcliffe followed Jenkinson's lead. However, it is emphasized that it would be "wholly wrong" to imply Ratcliffe was under Jenkinson's control, as he was capable of making his own decisions and actively supported the murder plan. The judge also noted that Ratcliffe displayed transphobic attitudes towards Brianna in messages and encouraged Jenkinson's desires.
Edited by: Georgiana Jureschi
Share This Post On
0 comments
Leave a comment
You need to login to leave a comment. Log-in
