The mother of Nex Benedict — the non-binary Oklahoma teen who was assaulted in a school bathroom and died the following day — is raising doubts about statements released by the local police. On Wednesday, the Owasso Police posted a statement to the department's Facebook page, which appeared to defend the Owasso High School's response to the February 7 incident. The statement also suggested that Nex's death the following day was unrelated to the bathroom assault. In a text exchange with Popular Information, Sue Benedict, Nex's mother, said she considered the Owasso Police statement a "big cover" and believed it was only released as "something to calm the people."
I just wanted to write how grateful I am, Judd and team, that you are covering this so closely. Nex’s passing breaks my heart. Nex’s mom’s loss is our loss. May Nex’s memory always be called for blessings.
If her death was a result of the beating at school and knowing she was harassed because she identifies as binary, wouldn’t this be a hate crime and the Feds investigate? Could they step in now?
They have to wait till all the facts are in. I’m assuming this, but if it is a crime, which it sounds like it could be, then there will be pressure for the feds to step in.
Oklahoma is despicable. There will be nothing in the toxicology testing to point to cause of death. Absolutely ludicrous. They died from head trauma being physically assaulted. This isn’t rocket science, it’s murder.
Oklahoma, where the woman who created the "libs of TicTok" was hired by the Superintendent of Public Education for the library committee. School officials are scared of her, she's already gotten several fired.
“A fight in the bathroom” is a decidedly euphemistic interpretation of being stomped to death in secrecy. Hate crime? This kind of hate has parents and collusion and witnesses and evil intention. And cover-up.
Absolutely astounding. They put out a public notice that the ME said it "wasn't trauma" and then admit that the ME said no such thing?? That they "assume" it wasn't because of the toxicology request?
there is a step missing in this logic--the hospital. Nex was treated and sent home. Undoubtedly got some painkillers or something else. ME clearly needs to see how treatment of whatever happened might have affected cause of death.
I'd agree that before we can cry "murder" we need the full ME report. But quite apart from the cause of death, the allowance of bullying at that school, which seems to be horrendous in general and worse against those who aren't pure little cis-ters needs to be blasted far and wide. Who knows what the stress of all that may have done to Nex's health?
There may not be legal liability when this is all finished. But there sure as hell is a MORAL failing of this school for allowing such a toxic atmosphere. Oh, but I forgot--schools aren't supposed to be safe places any more. Whether it is a bullet, a push, or a constant stream of hateful taunts, its all just part of being a kid in 21st Century America.
I just sent 2 letters, one to FBI Headquarters, one to OK City Field office, because the FBI is tasked to investigate Hate Crimes, violence against children and murder, especially involving an entire community that WILL cover up this horror. And BTW— a school nurse is in NO WAY capable or qualified to “reasonably assess” head injuries, EVER.
True. But the feds can’t come in until there are more facts. Just as the coroner is not doing the *assume* routine like the police who don’t want national scrutiny.
I think a slew of letters referencing Legum’s report will move them to look deeper. The case is horrific with far-reaching involvement. ie, people in high office. It’s a hate crime—these Perps don’t bother to wear sheets; they just declare their intolerance as if it’s normal to condemn an entire segment of the population.
The Feds can come in a lot faster if local law enforcement requests assistance & perhaps local politicians & the public. There is an investigation which is only mentioned at the end of the article.
This one has more info and says the FBI will not comment.
We are all Nex's mothers now, and I'm deeply concerned they died from the trauma they sustained in that bathroom. As much as I want to hear from Nex's family, they really do need to let their attorney do any talking. And any reputable attorney would tell them the same. Independent autopsy is also a must.
Thank you for excellent reporting. I am concerned there may actually be a direct connection between OK gov. official and deliberate targeting of other children by Lib. O TT. FBI needs to be involved, if this is bounty hunting, under the guise of protecting other children, the Superintendent is a huge danger to all students. Emails must be investigated by FBI to understand who should be charged. As a pediatric trauma nurse for many years, I suspect she had a subdural brain bleed, which is slower than subarachnoid brain bleed. But the family needs to hire a private pathologist/private autopsy. In South Carolina, a similar case, mom did a go-fund-me for private autopsy. Look up Steven Smith (mom Sandy Smith).
Subdurtal Brain bleed, agreed. Unfortunately, if thats what it turns out to be, excusable as something the School staff ( nurse included) might miss. Unfortunate that the Hospital would have missed it, but believable.
There is no excuse for the police to ignore that assaults can cause delayed death and try to sell want a solution before the facts are in. That is not their job but it is an old trick.
“Boatman also said the medical examiner ‘emphasized they are waiting for toxicology,’ which Boatman interpreted as ‘kind of a red flag.’ Boatman said he is ‘assuming when I get that [toxicology report] back, something's going to be there.’"
Or, maybe Boatman - as a commissioned Police Lieutenant- should consider that a toxicology report is generally run as part of an autopsy to identify/eliminate possible contributing causes.
We both know bias is nothing new with LEOs. I’ve not looked specific details on how the dept operates or individuals. Tulsa doesn’t have the best history.
I also haven’t gotten around to looking at the qualifications for medical examiners or coroners in OK or Tulsa. (I say “Tulsa” because Owasso is very small and part of it is in Tulsa County. As a small city they would use a state or county medical examiner.)
For instance in KY there are county coroners - no medical degree required. They are elected. The state medical examiner’s office has actual certified medical examiners & provides support or gets involved when asked by county coroners or receives an order from a court.
The statements made by the Superintendent; the suggestion by the district that a school nurse can adequately assess for an intracranial bleed; the fact there is a beaten, dead body of an openly bullied LGBT person MORE than fits criteria for FBI involvement as a hate crime, a crime of violence against a child and murder. So, BS—the FBI has plenty of reason for involvement.
Believe me - if one of Nex's parents were Secret Service or FBI, or even a police officer, there would be a FULL investigation ASAP. The US does not have blind justice - that is an illusion.
I would never say justice is blind in the US, or anywhere for that matter. I’m well aware there is bias. There is general way cases should proceed & this guy has admitted he isn’t following it. That led to my ‘wondering.’ And where is the Chief of Police? Public information & comments in high profile cases are not usually left to random detectives and a spokesperson. This is a small city and it doesn’t seem to have its act together.
That is over the top crazy!! Like a 16 year old is just going to randomly drop dead from something other than having their head bashed in the day after 😳😳
MAGAS told so many lies without consequences, they just get bolder and bolder. Sounds like the family might need an independent autopsy at that rate
— Boatman also said the medical examiner "emphasized they are waiting for toxicology," which Boatman interpreted as "kind of a red flag." Boatman said he is "assuming when I get that [toxicology report] back, something's going to be there."
I never said anyone is insinuating, I am the one saying 16 year olds do not just drop dead! They don’t!! And if any effer tries to say they died from drugs I hope they get their asses canned for 40 years! We must stop letting the powerful cover up this absolutely disgusting behavior!
Meanwhile he has an officer investigating it as a homicide and it seems he is throwing him under the bus. The investigation is mentioned at the end & more info is in this article.
Well, thank god there’s an adult in the room that knows what to say in the face of this entirely preventable tragedy:
“Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement in a tweet Thursday evening, saying: "My heart goes out to Nex Benedict's family, friends, and their entire community.
"To the LGBTQI+ youth who are hurting and are afraid right now: President Joe Biden and I see you, we stand with you, and you are not alone."”
I am a physician who has seen my share of trauma. This poor kid probably died from a subdural hematoma, a blood clot that forms after trauma between the brain and the skull. If it had been an epidural it would have been more rapid. Trauma in the brain tissue itself would cause obvious neurological symptoms.
I dont fault the school nurse, who is not trained to see this. The Emergency Room probably missed it.
why cant we see the Autopsy report and the ER records? The longer the police try to cover this up the worse it will be for them and the school.
BTW, when I was in medical school in the 1970’s I spent several months working in the Johns Hopkins “Sex clinic” where we helped people with all sorts of gender issues. This was the most fascinating and useful work I did in Med school. The terms have changed ( we never heard of “trans” back then) but the human suffering inflicted on people who dont conform to binary sex roles is real. I saw it then and know it now. There are massive amounts of data that some people cannot conform to their “ biology”. and why should they?
You worked with John Money? The pedohile who mutilated and abused children. And you’re proud of this?! I hope the Reimer brothers have found the peace in their souls that was stolen from them as children by your favorite “sex clinic.”
Apparently they just keeled over the next morning and was already gone by the time the paramedics arrived. Do early subdural’s get missed on scans sometimes? But yet 12 hours later, boom? 😢
I just wanted to write how grateful I am, Judd and team, that you are covering this so closely. Nex’s passing breaks my heart. Nex’s mom’s loss is our loss. May Nex’s memory always be called for blessings.
If her death was a result of the beating at school and knowing she was harassed because she identifies as binary, wouldn’t this be a hate crime and the Feds investigate? Could they step in now?
Nex is they/them. If their death.....knowing they were harassed, because they identify as nonbinary. Your post should honor them, even in death.
They should but Garland is a wimp
They have to wait till all the facts are in. I’m assuming this, but if it is a crime, which it sounds like it could be, then there will be pressure for the feds to step in.
they should.
Oklahoma is despicable. There will be nothing in the toxicology testing to point to cause of death. Absolutely ludicrous. They died from head trauma being physically assaulted. This isn’t rocket science, it’s murder.
I wouldn't put it past these monsters to "plant" something in the report. The family needs to get an independent autopsy and toxicology report done.
If they need contributions to engage an independent forensic expert we need to hear. Many of us would support this effort I know.
You're absolutely right!
You bet.
So so so grateful you are on this, Judd Legum. So grateful. Thank you for your tenacity and smart journalism!!
How could the school let this bullying go on and on and on and not step in to stop it?
Oklahoma, where the woman who created the "libs of TicTok" was hired by the Superintendent of Public Education for the library committee. School officials are scared of her, she's already gotten several fired.
They set the stage for it, as is happening around the country. Bigoted hate breeds more hate and potential violence.
“A fight in the bathroom” is a decidedly euphemistic interpretation of being stomped to death in secrecy. Hate crime? This kind of hate has parents and collusion and witnesses and evil intention. And cover-up.
Absolutely astounding. They put out a public notice that the ME said it "wasn't trauma" and then admit that the ME said no such thing?? That they "assume" it wasn't because of the toxicology request?
there is a step missing in this logic--the hospital. Nex was treated and sent home. Undoubtedly got some painkillers or something else. ME clearly needs to see how treatment of whatever happened might have affected cause of death.
I'd agree that before we can cry "murder" we need the full ME report. But quite apart from the cause of death, the allowance of bullying at that school, which seems to be horrendous in general and worse against those who aren't pure little cis-ters needs to be blasted far and wide. Who knows what the stress of all that may have done to Nex's health?
There may not be legal liability when this is all finished. But there sure as hell is a MORAL failing of this school for allowing such a toxic atmosphere. Oh, but I forgot--schools aren't supposed to be safe places any more. Whether it is a bullet, a push, or a constant stream of hateful taunts, its all just part of being a kid in 21st Century America.
I just sent 2 letters, one to FBI Headquarters, one to OK City Field office, because the FBI is tasked to investigate Hate Crimes, violence against children and murder, especially involving an entire community that WILL cover up this horror. And BTW— a school nurse is in NO WAY capable or qualified to “reasonably assess” head injuries, EVER.
True. But the feds can’t come in until there are more facts. Just as the coroner is not doing the *assume* routine like the police who don’t want national scrutiny.
I think a slew of letters referencing Legum’s report will move them to look deeper. The case is horrific with far-reaching involvement. ie, people in high office. It’s a hate crime—these Perps don’t bother to wear sheets; they just declare their intolerance as if it’s normal to condemn an entire segment of the population.
The Feds can come in a lot faster if local law enforcement requests assistance & perhaps local politicians & the public. There is an investigation which is only mentioned at the end of the article.
This one has more info and says the FBI will not comment.
https://tulsaworld.com/news/community/owasso/search-warrant-served-at-owasso-high-school-in-investigation-of-nex-benedicts-death/article_6194975c-d1d1-11ee-b4f8-b7d7834a449d.html
We are all Nex's mothers now, and I'm deeply concerned they died from the trauma they sustained in that bathroom. As much as I want to hear from Nex's family, they really do need to let their attorney do any talking. And any reputable attorney would tell them the same. Independent autopsy is also a must.
Thank you for excellent reporting. I am concerned there may actually be a direct connection between OK gov. official and deliberate targeting of other children by Lib. O TT. FBI needs to be involved, if this is bounty hunting, under the guise of protecting other children, the Superintendent is a huge danger to all students. Emails must be investigated by FBI to understand who should be charged. As a pediatric trauma nurse for many years, I suspect she had a subdural brain bleed, which is slower than subarachnoid brain bleed. But the family needs to hire a private pathologist/private autopsy. In South Carolina, a similar case, mom did a go-fund-me for private autopsy. Look up Steven Smith (mom Sandy Smith).
Subdurtal Brain bleed, agreed. Unfortunately, if thats what it turns out to be, excusable as something the School staff ( nurse included) might miss. Unfortunate that the Hospital would have missed it, but believable.
There is no excuse for the police to ignore that assaults can cause delayed death and try to sell want a solution before the facts are in. That is not their job but it is an old trick.
“Boatman also said the medical examiner ‘emphasized they are waiting for toxicology,’ which Boatman interpreted as ‘kind of a red flag.’ Boatman said he is ‘assuming when I get that [toxicology report] back, something's going to be there.’"
Or, maybe Boatman - as a commissioned Police Lieutenant- should consider that a toxicology report is generally run as part of an autopsy to identify/eliminate possible contributing causes.
*Assuming* is not a sign of good police work.
Assuming does however reflect ones biases. I'd like to know Boatman's politics. There are a whole lot of "biased" persons in law enforcement nowadays.
We both know bias is nothing new with LEOs. I’ve not looked specific details on how the dept operates or individuals. Tulsa doesn’t have the best history.
I also haven’t gotten around to looking at the qualifications for medical examiners or coroners in OK or Tulsa. (I say “Tulsa” because Owasso is very small and part of it is in Tulsa County. As a small city they would use a state or county medical examiner.)
For instance in KY there are county coroners - no medical degree required. They are elected. The state medical examiner’s office has actual certified medical examiners & provides support or gets involved when asked by county coroners or receives an order from a court.
The statements made by the Superintendent; the suggestion by the district that a school nurse can adequately assess for an intracranial bleed; the fact there is a beaten, dead body of an openly bullied LGBT person MORE than fits criteria for FBI involvement as a hate crime, a crime of violence against a child and murder. So, BS—the FBI has plenty of reason for involvement.
No, it isn’t. Probably explains why he’s doing PR, rather than investigating.
It makes me wonder how much support he is giving the officer investigating.
https://tulsaworld.com/news/community/owasso/search-warrant-served-at-owasso-high-school-in-investigation-of-nex-benedicts-death/article_6194975c-d1d1-11ee-b4f8-b7d7834a449d.html
Believe me - if one of Nex's parents were Secret Service or FBI, or even a police officer, there would be a FULL investigation ASAP. The US does not have blind justice - that is an illusion.
I would never say justice is blind in the US, or anywhere for that matter. I’m well aware there is bias. There is general way cases should proceed & this guy has admitted he isn’t following it. That led to my ‘wondering.’ And where is the Chief of Police? Public information & comments in high profile cases are not usually left to random detectives and a spokesperson. This is a small city and it doesn’t seem to have its act together.
That is over the top crazy!! Like a 16 year old is just going to randomly drop dead from something other than having their head bashed in the day after 😳😳
MAGAS told so many lies without consequences, they just get bolder and bolder. Sounds like the family might need an independent autopsy at that rate
“Random” is not what he is insinuating.
— Boatman also said the medical examiner "emphasized they are waiting for toxicology," which Boatman interpreted as "kind of a red flag." Boatman said he is "assuming when I get that [toxicology report] back, something's going to be there."
I never said anyone is insinuating, I am the one saying 16 year olds do not just drop dead! They don’t!! And if any effer tries to say they died from drugs I hope they get their asses canned for 40 years! We must stop letting the powerful cover up this absolutely disgusting behavior!
What I meant was Boatman is insinuating.
Meanwhile he has an officer investigating it as a homicide and it seems he is throwing him under the bus. The investigation is mentioned at the end & more info is in this article.
https://tulsaworld.com/news/community/owasso/search-warrant-served-at-owasso-high-school-in-investigation-of-nex-benedicts-death/article_6194975c-d1d1-11ee-b4f8-b7d7834a449d.html
Well, thank god there’s an adult in the room that knows what to say in the face of this entirely preventable tragedy:
“Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement in a tweet Thursday evening, saying: "My heart goes out to Nex Benedict's family, friends, and their entire community.
"To the LGBTQI+ youth who are hurting and are afraid right now: President Joe Biden and I see you, we stand with you, and you are not alone."”
From the link posted by Anne Sharon above
Thank you Judd. Keep shining the light on this, please.
I am a physician who has seen my share of trauma. This poor kid probably died from a subdural hematoma, a blood clot that forms after trauma between the brain and the skull. If it had been an epidural it would have been more rapid. Trauma in the brain tissue itself would cause obvious neurological symptoms.
I dont fault the school nurse, who is not trained to see this. The Emergency Room probably missed it.
why cant we see the Autopsy report and the ER records? The longer the police try to cover this up the worse it will be for them and the school.
BTW, when I was in medical school in the 1970’s I spent several months working in the Johns Hopkins “Sex clinic” where we helped people with all sorts of gender issues. This was the most fascinating and useful work I did in Med school. The terms have changed ( we never heard of “trans” back then) but the human suffering inflicted on people who dont conform to binary sex roles is real. I saw it then and know it now. There are massive amounts of data that some people cannot conform to their “ biology”. and why should they?
I think sometime in the future looking back we will acknowledge how absurdly barbaric are the attitudes today.
Absurdly barbaric. The bullies have taken over the world.
What’s barbaric is mutilating and damaging the reproductive organs of physically healthy children and vulnerable adults.
Meaning…
You worked with John Money? The pedohile who mutilated and abused children. And you’re proud of this?! I hope the Reimer brothers have found the peace in their souls that was stolen from them as children by your favorite “sex clinic.”
Apparently they just keeled over the next morning and was already gone by the time the paramedics arrived. Do early subdural’s get missed on scans sometimes? But yet 12 hours later, boom? 😢
This is incredible reporting and an example of why I subscribe.
So the translation is: "we're not going to do anything."
Never ever ever take a public statement from the police at face value.