Owasso Police Release Body Cam Footage of Interview with Nex Benedict, Teen Who Died After School Fight
Tragedy Strikes Owasso High School: A Fight Turns Fatal
In a shocking turn of events, a 16-year-old student from Owasso High School in Oklahoma lost their life after being involved in a fight that erupted in a school bathroom. The Owasso Police Department has recently released body cam footage of the interview conducted with Nex Benedict, shedding light on the incident that has left the community in mourning.
Bullying Concerns Raised by Nex Benedict’s Mother
During the interview, Officer Caleb Thompson can be seen asking Nex Benedict about the altercation. Nex responds by saying, “I got jumped.” Nex’s mother, Sue Benedict, interrupts and reveals that Nex had previously confided in her about being bullied. Sue explains, “[Nex] said mom, these three girls there, they’re making comments, they’re calling us names, they’re throwing stuff at us.” She adds that she had advised Nex to rise above it until the situation escalated in the bathroom.
Nex Describes Provocation and Assault
Nex proceeds to recount the incident to Officer Thompson, stating that the altercation occurred around 1 p.m. in the bathroom. Nex and their friends were confronted by three girls who began mocking them. Nex shares, “They said something like ‘why do they laugh like that,’ and they were talking about us, in front of us. So I went up and poured water on them and all three of them came at me.” Nex explains that the girls tripped them and began assaulting them while they were on the ground. Nex’s friends attempted to intervene before Nex blacked out.
Calls for Improved Student Protection
The tragic death of Nex Benedict has sparked widespread attention and ignited a nationwide conversation about the need for schools to better protect students who may face bullying due to their gender and sexual identities. Nex, a sophomore at Owasso High School, identified as gender expansive and used they/them and he/him pronouns. This case highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments that support individuals whose gender identity expands beyond traditional norms.
Investigation into Possible Motivation
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the fight and whether Nex was specifically targeted due to their gender identity. Friends of Nex have shared with an advocacy group that they had previously experienced bullying because of their gender identity. While the Owasso Police Department has stated that Nex’s death was not directly caused by injuries sustained during the fight, their statement acknowledges that investigations by the medical examiner’s office and the police department are still ongoing. A comprehensive autopsy report will be released in due course.
Family Demands Answers and Accountability
Nex’s family has expressed their concerns regarding the case, acknowledging that many questions remain unanswered. In a statement released on Wednesday, they confirmed their intention to conduct an independent investigation. Furthermore, they urged officials to hold those responsible accountable and take measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Officer’s Interview Technique Under Scrutiny
The body cam footage of the interview conducted by Officer Thompson has raised some eyebrows. Critics argue that he spent minimal time inquiring about the actions of the three girls that led up to the altercation. Additionally, he failed to ask Nex why they believed they were being antagonized. Instead, Officer Thompson focused on questioning Nex about why they had not reported the girls’ actions to school officials. In some instances, the officer referred to the verbal exchanges between the girls as “bantering.” This approach has led to concerns about how seriously incidents of bullying are being taken within educational institutions.
Freedom of Speech vs. Physical Altercations
During the interview, Officer Thompson mentions the possibility of filing assault charges against the three girls involved in the fight. However, he cautions Nex that they could also face assault charges for throwing water on the girls. He explains, “You got freedom of speech. The minute you threw water on them you made the first jab. It may not go the direction you want it to go.” The officer emphasizes that while hurtful words fall under freedom of speech, physical altercations can have unintended consequences.
A Developing Story
As investigations into this tragic incident continue, the community of Owasso remains in shock and mourning. Nex Benedict’s untimely death has brought attention to the urgent need for schools to address bullying and provide a safe environment for all students, regardless of their gender or sexual identity. The outcome of the ongoing investigations will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Nex’s passing and determine the appropriate actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
