Nex Benedict: No charges in death of Oklahoma non-binary teen

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - No charges will be filed related to the school bathroom fight preceding Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict's death, the county district attorney said Thursday.

People hold signs calling for justice during a march for Nex Benedict at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City.
People hold signs calling for justice during a march for Nex Benedict at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City.  © IMAGO / USA TODAY Network

After reviewing an Owasso Police Department investigation, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said the fight between Benedict and several girls in a high-school bathroom was an "instance of mutual combat" which did not warrant charges.

During the incident, the girls reportedly teased Benedict, who was non-binary, about the way they laughed.

The 16-year-old reportedly responded by pouring water on the girls, who badly beat them until they blacked out.

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The next day, Benedict collapsed at their home. The state medical examiner last week ruled the death to have been a suicide caused by a drug overdose.

"An important part of the Owasso Police Department’s investigation was the discovery of some brief notes, written by Benedict, which appeared to be related to the suicide," Kunzweiler said.

"The precise contents of the suicide note are a personal matter which the family will have to address within the privacy of their own lives."

Nex Benedict's family calls for measures to prevent bullying

Benedict had reportedly suffered repeated bullying and harassment over their non-binary identity.

The teen's family has called for comprehensive measures to protect other students from mistreatment in a statement shared by lawyers: "Reforms creating school environments that are built upon the pillars of respect, inclusion and grace, and aim to eliminate bullying and hate, are the types of change that all involved should be able to rally behind."

The US Department of Education has launched an investigation into Benedict's death amid fears of growing anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech and violence.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline by calling or texting 988 for free and confidential support. You can also text "HOME" to 741741 anytime for the Crisis Text Line and access to live, trained crisis counselors.

Cover photo: IMAGO / USA TODAY Network

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