The life and tragic death of Brianna Ghey, a transgender teenager murdered in 2023, are highlighted in a new ITV documentary.
The film, Brianna: A Mother’s Story, airs tomorrow night and features unseen footage of Brianna and her killer, Scarlett Jenkinson, before the devastating crime.
In a chilling social media video, Brianna can be seen helping Jenkinson dye her hair just weeks before Jenkinson lured her into a park and brutally stabbed her 28 times.
The Friendship That Turned Fatal
Jenkinson, along with her 15-year-old accomplice Eddie Ratcliffe, was convicted of Brianna’s murder after a harrowing trial.
The pair had befriended Brianna when they were placed in the same class at Birchwood High School in Warrington in October 2022.
Jenkinson became obsessed with Brianna and, together with Ratcliffe, plotted her murder.
Their plans were discussed in a series of disturbing messages on Snapchat, including discussions about their fascination with serial killers and dark web content.
Unseen Footage and Disturbing Revelations
The documentary will air previously unseen footage, including the chilling moment Brianna helps Jenkinson dye her hair.
In the video, Brianna, sporting her signature pink bows and vibrant makeup, films herself washing the bright red dye into Jenkinson’s hair in a supermarket restroom.
Just weeks after this seemingly innocent moment, Jenkinson convinced Brianna to meet her and Ratcliffe in Culcheth, where the pair carried out the brutal stabbing in a nearby park. Brianna’s body was later discovered by a couple walking their dog.
The Betrayal and Heartbreak of a Mother
Brianna’s mother, Esther, opens up about the betrayal she felt upon learning that Brianna’s friend had been involved in her death.
Esther describes Jenkinson as someone Brianna had trusted, calling the murder the “worst possible betrayal.”
The documentary sheds light on Brianna’s life before her transition, sharing photos from her childhood and reflecting on her struggles with mental health, including an eating disorder likely worsened by exposure to harmful online content.
Addressing Online Safety and the Dangers of Social Media
In the wake of Brianna’s murder, Esther has become an advocate for online safety.
She has campaigned for stricter controls on social media use by children and for the introduction of mindfulness programs in schools.
She discusses her concerns about her daughter’s interactions with strangers online and reflects on how social media platforms, which she calls a “cesspit,” contributed to Brianna’s struggles.
Esther believes that the current Online Safety Act doesn’t go far enough to protect young people from online harm.
A Mother’s Fight for Change
The documentary also takes Esther to New York, where she meets a grieving father whose 17-year-old daughter was murdered by a teenage friend after receiving threatening social media messages.
This meeting further emphasizes the dangers of online interactions and the need for better protections for young people.
Brianna’s stepfather, Wes Powell, also shares his grief, highlighting the devastating impact of losing a child to violence, especially when the killer was someone Brianna considered a friend.
The Sentencing and the Trial’s Outcome
Jenkinson and Ratcliffe were both sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in Brianna’s death.
Jenkinson was given a minimum term of 22 years, and Ratcliffe was ordered to serve at least 20 years before being considered for parole.
The trial judge, Mrs. Justice Yip, spoke of Jenkinson’s manipulation of Brianna’s vulnerability and the sadistic nature of the murder.
She also noted that Ratcliffe’s motive seemed partly driven by hostility toward Brianna for being transgender.
Brianna: A Mother’s Story will air tomorrow, Thursday, March 27, at 9 pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, offering a heartbreaking look at the young girl’s life, the shocking betrayal by a trusted friend, and the aftermath of her tragic death.