In a disturbing incident in Gloucester, Massachusetts, police have moved to charge three teenagers following an assault on a transgender boy named Jayden Tkaczyk.
The Gloucester Police Department has taken decisive action after a comprehensive investigation into the August attack on Jayden Tkaczyk, a transgender teen. On Friday, the department filed applications for criminal complaints, seeking to press assault and battery charges against two 16-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy. The teenagers are scheduled to appear in a juvenile court hearing, where a clerk magistrate will decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.
Jayden Tkaczyk reported that he was at an outdoor party when up to a dozen other teenagers attacked him. During the assault, he was subjected to homophobic slurs and chased into nearby woods. The attack left him with significant injuries, including a broken bone beneath his right eye, as well as numerous scratches and bruises, leading to his treatment at a hospital.
In response to this violent act, the police department assigned a specialist trained in hate crimes to investigate the matter. Despite the severity of the attack, Chief Edward Connelly announced that the evidence did not meet the threshold for hate crime charges. “Our department conducted a meticulous, thorough, and compassionate investigation, and the resulting charges are consistent with the evidence,” Chief Connelly stated. He emphasized that the department’s thoughts remain with Jayden, who endured substantial harm during the incident.
The charges sought by Gloucester police reflect the seriousness of the attack on Jayden Tkaczyk and underscore the dedication of law enforcement to holding those responsible accountable. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on achieving justice for Jayden and ensuring such incidents are addressed rigorously.
Source: Apnews
