The Gloucester Police Department in Massachusetts has filed applications for criminal complaints against three teenagers in connection with the brutal assault of a transgender boy in August.
Details of the Assault
The victim, 15-year-old Jayden Tkaczyk, described being attacked at an outdoor party by up to a dozen teens who hurled homophobic slurs and chased him into the woods. Jayden suffered significant injuries, including a broken bone beneath his right eye and multiple scratches and bruises, requiring hospital treatment.
“I didn’t feel like I could get away. It was terrifying,” Jayden said in a statement recounting the attack.
Charges Filed After Lengthy Investigation
The police investigation, which took several months, culminated in applications for assault and battery charges against two 16-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy. The case will proceed to a juvenile court hearing, where a clerk magistrate will decide whether there is enough evidence to move forward with the charges.
Hate Crime Charges Not Supported by Evidence
Despite the disturbing nature of the incident and the use of slurs, police determined that the evidence did not meet the threshold for hate crime charges. Chief Edward Conley emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation, which included consultations with hate crime specialists.
“Our department conducted a meticulous, thorough, and compassionate investigation, and the resulting charges are consistent with the evidence,” Conley said. “Our thoughts remain with the victim, who suffered significant injuries in this attack.”
