GLOUCESTER, Massachusetts — Authorities in Massachusetts are working to bring charges against three teenagers regarding an assault on a transgender boy that occurred in August.
After an extensive investigation, the Gloucester Police Department announced on Friday that they have submitted requests for criminal complaints aimed at two boys aged 16 and another boy aged 17. The next step for these teenagers will be a hearing in juvenile court, where a clerk magistrate will evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
The victim of the assault, identified as Jayden Tkaczyk, reported that he was attending an outdoor party when he was attacked by a group of up to a dozen teenagers. During the assault, he was subjected to homophobic slurs and was pursued into nearby woods. Tkaczyk sustained physical injuries that included a broken bone beneath his right eye, along with various scratches and bruising across his body, necessitating treatment at a local hospital.
The police department assigned a specially trained investigator to examine potential hate crime aspects of the case and consulted with various experts. However, despite these efforts, Chief Edward Connelly stated that the evidence collected did not support charges of a hate crime against the suspects involved.
“Our department undertook a careful and thorough investigation, and the charges filed align with the evidence gathered,” Connelly noted in an official statement. He also expressed his ongoing concern for the victim, who experienced serious injuries as a result of this incident.
