Brianna Ghey murder to feature in Crimes That Shook Britain TV series

A+E Networks EMEA has commissioned a ninth series of the programme from Title Role Productions, which will air on Crime+Investigation starting next week.

The eight-part series featuring Dermot Murnaghan will explore the ‘truth behind crimes that have shocked the nation’, as told by friends, family and the detectives charged with bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Brianna died aged 16 after being stabbed with a hunting knife 28 times in her head, neck, chest and back in Culcheth Linear Park on the afternoon of February 11 last year.

Two 16-year-olds, aged 15 at the time of the killing, were convicted by unanimous verdict of the transgender Birchwood schoolgirl’s murder in December last year after a four-week trial.

A judge allowed Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, from Culcheth and Leigh respectively, to be named at their sentencing hearing at Manchester Crown Court in February this year.

Both were handed life sentences, with Jenkinson to serve a minimum of 22 years and Ratcliffe a minimum of 20.

The killers, both said their backs were turned when the other defendant began stabbing Brianna in a ‘frenzied’ fashion.

Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe were both jailed for murder

The trial heard both defendants had a fascination for violence, torture and murder and had planned the killing for weeks.

Jurors heard Jenkinson was ‘obsessed’ with Brianna, enjoyed watching internet torture and killing material from the ‘dark web’ and had an interest in serial killers.

The jury was also shown a ‘murder plan’ on how to kill Brianna, along with phone messages Jenkinson and Ratcliffe exchanged, including a ‘kill list’ of other children they planned to harm.

When sentencing, Justice Amanda Yip said Jenkinson was motivated by sadism and a desire to kill, with Ratcliffe motivated in part by transphobia.

On the series, Dermot Murnaghan said: “I am delighted to be part of this latest series of Crimes That Shook Britain.

“This is a format that always remembers, first and foremost, to give the victims a voice through the testimony of their loved ones.

“What attracts me most to the programme is the quality and sensitivity of the storytelling. The producers are the best in the business regarding duty of care and narrative.

Floral tributes to Brianna were left at Culcheth Linear Park

“This series examines some of the most high-profile cases of recent times – such as the murders of Brianna Ghey and Elle Edwards – many of which I reported on at the time as a news anchor.

“The producers have gained exclusive access to some of the investigating officers in the cases, and friends and family members of the victims will be appearing on camera for the first time.”

Dan Korn, of A+E Networks EMEA, added: “We are delighted to have Dermot and Crimes That Shook back for a ninth season.

“It is brilliantly produced by Title Role and unflinching in its honesty and commitment to telling the story behind the headlines through the eyes of those most intimately affected”.

Crimes That Shook Britain season nine will premiere in the UK on Crime+Investigation and Crime+Investigation PLAY on Monday, September 16.

This will feature the killing of 26-year-old Wirral beautician Elle Edwards outside a pub on Christmas Eve 2022.

Brianna has been listed for episode five in the coming weeks.