Investigation Launched into Possible Hate Crime Against Trans Teen

A trans teenager was reportedly assaulted by a large group of teens in Massachusetts, prompting police to investigate the incident as a potential hate crime.

On Friday night, 16-year-old Jayden Tkaczyk attended an outdoor gathering in a wooded area of Gloucester when the attack allegedly took place.

Craig Rourke, Jayden’s attorney, shared that during the incident, the assailants “stomped on his head” while using derogatory slurs against him. Rourke expressed that the motives of those involved seem “pretty clear in their own words,” leading them to categorize the attack as a hate crime.

Jayden sustained serious injuries, including a broken orbital bone, permanent nerve damage, and bruises on his legs and torso. He was treated for these injuries at a hospital but has since been released.

The Gloucester Police Department indicated that the individuals involved are known to each other, which suggests a level of premeditation in the attack. A detective skilled in civil rights investigations is now leading this case. A police spokesperson confirmed that authorities are treating the incident as a possible hate crime, although they noted that their investigation is still ongoing, and no conclusions have been drawn yet.

Jayden has previously experienced bullying due to his gender identity, according to his attorney. He attended a local vocational high school and had briefly joined the Gloucester High School football team, but left after facing severe bullying during just a few practices.

Reflecting on the attack, Jayden described how quickly events escalated. “One second I was having fun, and the next second I was on the ground getting my face stomped and beat up,” he recounted. He noted that the attackers repeatedly shouted slurs at him while assaulting him.

Jasmine Tkaczyk, Jayden’s mother, expressed her outrage over the attack, stating she felt “really, really angry.” She revealed that witnessing her child’s condition was one of her worst fears as the mother of a trans teenager.

The Essex County District Attorney’s Office acknowledged being aware of the serious allegations and indicated that they are currently working with the Gloucester Police Department on the ongoing investigation, which involves minors. They refrained from providing further details at this time.

Ben Lummis, the Superintendent of Gloucester Public Schools, released a statement underscoring the district’s understanding of the gravity of the situation, assuring that they are taking it seriously. The school district is cooperating fully with the police investigation.

Lummis mentioned that the investigation is still in its early stages and is likely to be complex. He emphasized that decisions moving forward will rely on the thoroughness of the investigation’s findings.

In light of the incident, Lummis noted the existence of various rumors and conflicting information circulating on social media about the event. He urged students and families to allow law enforcement and school personnel the necessary time to conduct an accurate and methodical investigation.

Gloucester Police Chief Edward Conley reinforced the importance of treating these allegations seriously. He appealed to the community to allow the investigation to unfold without rushing to conclusions.