Teen killers lured Brianna Ghey to park, stabbed her 28 times
Mother of teen killer describes son as caring amidst Brianna Ghey’s murder
Alice Hemmings, the mother of the teenage boy who killed Brianna Ghey, described her son as a “very caring” individual with “good morals” from a “good family.” Eddie Ratcliffe, along with Scarlett Jenkinson, both aged 15, lured Brianna to a park near Warrington, Cheshire, and fatally stabbed her 28 times on 11 February 2023.
During the inquest into the 16-year-old’s death, two statements from Hemmings were read at Cheshire Coroners Court. In a statement dated 3 March 2023, Hemmings characterised her son as someone who understands right from wrong and avoids risks. She described him as cautious, polite, and exhibiting many autistic traits, though he had never been diagnosed. Hemmings mentioned Ratcliffe’s enjoyment of meeting friends and playing the mobile game Pokémon Go. He became friends with Jenkinson in Year 7, who preferred the company of boys.
On the evening of the murder, Hemmings observed her son behaving normally, spending time with the family and appearing happy. She reiterated that Ratcliffe was a good child with strong morals and a supportive family. She noted that when worried, he tends to withdraw rather than seek help.
Brianna Ghey latest: Mother says she ‘knew something like this was going to happen’ after daughter’s deathhttps://t.co/ueMWwI3cBI#LONDON_NEWS #THE_INDEPENDENT #UK_CRIME #UK_FEATURED pic.twitter.com/mVmnEck2z2
— WTX News UK (@WtxNews) October 23, 2024
Brianna Ghey, who was transgender, had a significant following on TikTok. The inquest included statements from her close friends and mother, Esther Ghey, who detailed Brianna’s mental health struggles. Esther Ghey revealed her daughter had been hospitalised due to severe weight loss and had a history of self-harming, which was discovered by staff at an eating disorder clinic. Brianna had even carved heart shapes into her arm.
Brianna’s mother also spoke about her daughter’s repeated requests for hormone medication and her consideration of private treatment due to long NHS waiting times. She expressed her concerns about the long-term effects of puberty blockers and recalled Brianna’s threats of self-harm if she didn’t receive the medication.
Esther Ghey attributed some of her daughter’s increased anxiety to the toxic online environment Brianna engaged with during the COVID lockdown. She noted a significant change in Brianna over time, from an energetic child to someone engulfed in darkness, making her feel as though she was grieving two different people.
Jenkinson and Ratcliffe are currently serving life sentences for the murder of Brianna Ghey.
What Other Media Are Saying
- LBC reports on the inquest into Brianna Ghey’s death, where her mother Esther Ghey expresses foreboding about her daughter’s future, describing a “dark time” before the tragic event.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who were the individuals involved in Brianna Ghey’s murder?
Eddie Ratcliffe and Scarlett Jenkinson, both aged 15.
How did Alice Hemmings describe her son?
She described him as caring, with good morals, cautious, and polite.
What did Brianna Ghey struggle with according to her mother?
She struggled with mental health issues, severe weight loss, and self-harm.
What was Brianna Ghey’s online presence like?
Brianna had a significant following on TikTok.
What sentences are Jenkinson and Ratcliffe serving?
They are serving life sentences for Brianna Ghey’s murder.
