The newly revealed body camera footage unravels the distressing narrative of Nex Benedict, a non-binary 16-year-old Oklahoma student.
The footage captures Nex's harrowing description of a physical altercation at their high school, Owasso High School, just one day before their tragic demise.
The Non-Binary Teen's Account of School Fight Emerges
The poignant 21-minute video, released by the Owasso Police Department, exposes the lead-up to the altercation that transpired on February 7.
Nex, lying on a hospital gurney, discloses to School Resource Officer Caleb Thompson that the confrontation erupted after they poured water on three students, mocking their laughter and attire.
The non-binary student recounts, "We were laughing, and they had said something like, 'Why do they laugh like that?' And they were talking about us in front of us. So, I went up there and I poured water on them. And then all three of them came at me."
Nex details the escalation of the fight, sharing with Officer Thompson that they blacked out during the intense physical encounter.
The description includes throwing one of the students into a paper towel dispenser, getting overpowered, and eventually blacking out while friends attempted to intervene.
Authorities' Response and Family's Plea
During the video, Nex Benedict's mother, Sue Benedict, expresses anger and a desire for accountability.
The 911 call made on the day of the altercation reveals Sue's urgency as she requests an ambulance due to Nex's deteriorating condition.
Officer Thompson navigates the delicate situation, acknowledging Nex's actions while emphasizing the need to consider both parties as potential victims and suspects.
The officer suggests contemplating whether to press charges, promising a follow-up the next day.
The tragic turn of events unfolded on February 8, a day after the school altercation, when Nex passed away.
Preliminary reports from the police suggest that the cause of death is not directly linked to physical trauma from the fight.
However, a comprehensive investigation is ongoing, and the State Medical Examiner's Office awaits toxicology and testing results to determine the final cause and manner of death.
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National Outcry and Calls for Action Against Bullying
The devastating news has reverberated nationally, prompting calls for action against LGBTQ bullying. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed condolences, reaching out to LGBTQ+ youth and emphasizing solidarity.
Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign are pushing for federal investigations to examine potential violations of LGBTQ student protections.
Nationwide, 2SLGBTQ groups and allies demand answers regarding Nex Benedict's untimely death.
Local organizations, including the Transgender Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma, Freedom Oklahoma, and Oklahomans for Equality, are holding vigils across the state and country to honor Nex's memory and draw attention to the broader issue of LGBTQ bullying.
As the investigation continues, the Benedict family urges officials at all levels to collaborate in determining the circumstances leading to Nex's death and ensuring that such preventable tragedies do not occur again.
The Owasso Police Department has confirmed the cooperation of Owasso High School and Owasso Public Schools in the ongoing investigation.
While the school declined to comment specifically on the case, it reiterated its commitment to the safety and security of all students, stating that bullying in any form is unacceptable.
The non-binary community and allies continue to mourn Nex Benedict's passing, emphasizing the need for systemic change to address the serious issue of bullying in schools.
