Prosecutors in Oklahoma say the person involved in a high school bathroom brawl with non-binary teen Nex Benedict was not criminally charged and took his own life the next day.
Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said in a statement Thursday that he agreed with Owasso police investigators that the fight between Benedict and the three girls was “an example of mutual combat.”
“When I review a report and decide on charges, I, like all prosecutors, will be satisfied that a crime was committed and that the judge or jury is satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed.” “You have to be certain that you have a reasonable belief that the person will be violated,” Kunzweiler said.
“From all the evidence collected, this fight was an example of mutual combat.”
There was widespread speculation that the injury Benedict sustained in this game may have contributed to the sophomore’s death.
However, police announced late last month that the 16-year-old boy did not die from injuries.
Kunzweiler also said authorities found a “suicide note” written by Benedict, in which he was referred to by they/them pronouns.
“A key part of the Owasso Police Department’s investigation was the discovery of several short notes written by Benedict that appeared to be related to the suicide,” Kunzweiler said.
“The exact contents of the will are a private matter and the family must deal with it in privacy.”
However, the district attorney’s statement said Benedict was bullied at school by his family for “a variety of reasons,” although the suicide note did not mention the fight in the bathroom or other difficulties at school. He added that it has not been done.
Kunzweiler said both sides had been at each other’s throats in the days leading up to the fight involving the two student groups. Benedict was sent to hospital after the scuffle, but was released the same day.
Benedict told police from his hospital bed that the girls had bullied him and his friends because of the way they dressed and the way they laughed. As a result, they were splashed with water and got into a fight, Benedict said.
The boy was found unresponsive inside his home by paramedics on February 8 and died in hospital from what the coroner later said was a drug overdose.
The district attorney’s office noted that both drugs Benedict used were legally in the home.
An attorney representing Benedict’s family said he did not expect the family to comment on the district attorney’s statement.
The student’s high-profile incident has sparked political divisions and focused attention on bullying in schools, particularly against LGBT students.
with post wire
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit the following link: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
