No charges in school fight before tragic death of nonbinary student in Oklahoma
A district attorney in Tulsa County announced Thursday that no charges will be filed related to a high school fight involving Nex Benedict, a nonbinary student who died by suicide the following day. The fight, deemed an instance of "mutual combat" by Stephen Kunzweiler, Tulsa County's district attorney, occurred at Owasso High School West Campus.
Kunzweiler's statement shed light on the complex investigation that followed the tragic event. Despite the physical altercation captured within the school's confines, legal action was deemed unsuitable. The Owasso police's discovery of "some brief notes" penned by Benedict, though not directly referencing the altercation or school struggles, hinted at the deep-seated issues the 16-year-old faced. According to the DA, the notes offered no substantial evidence to link the fight directly to Nex's decision to end their life.
The narrative surrounding Benedict's untimely death is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by transgender and nonbinary youth. Nex, who used he/they pronouns, reportedly suffered bullying at school due to their gender identity, an issue painfully common in educational institutions nationwide.
The day before Nex's death, an altercation erupted involving multiple students, culminating in Nex being taken to the hospital by his mother, who also reported the incident to the police. Nex recounted to officers, through body camera footage, that the confrontation began after retaliating against bullies with water, a response to continuous mockery over clothing and gender identity.
This case has reignited discussions on bullying, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ students, and the responsibilities of schools to foster a safe and inclusive environment. While deciding against pressing charges, the DA's office highlighted the nuances of juvenile justice and the impossible challenge of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in such emotionally charged scenarios.
The subsequent autopsy revealed that Nex's death resulted from "combined toxicity" from two drugs found in the household, with superficial injuries from the fight visible but not contributing to the tragic outcome. This revelation has prompted further scrutiny of the correlation between mental health issues and the availability of substances within reach of vulnerable individuals.
Kunzweiler's reflections on the case underscored the broader societal issue of suicide, lamenting the inadequate resources dedicated to combating this crisis. In a poignant statement, Nex's family advocated for substantial reforms in educational and legislative frameworks to eradicate bullying and foster respect, inclusion, and grace.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, the call for action becomes increasingly urgent, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to support the mental health of all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. Nex Benedict's story, while heartbreakingly short, serves as a critical catalyst for change, urging society to confront and address the systemic failings that continue to endanger young lives.
