Source: NJ.com
A former Boston College student who had “complete and total control” over her boyfriend, a Boston College student from New Jersey, has been indicted on an involuntary manslaughter charge for encouraging him to take his own life, Boston’s top prosecutor said.
Inyoung You, 21, was “physically, verbally and psychologically abusive” to fellow Boston College student Alexander Urtula during an 18-month relationship, district attorney Rachael Rollins said at a news conference.
Inyoung You sent Urtula, 22, of Cedar Grove NJ, more than 47,000 text messages in the last two months of the relationship, including many urging him to “go kill yourself” or “go die,” Rollins says. Inyoung also tracked Urtula and was nearby when he died in Boston on May 20, the day of his Boston College graduation.
“Many of the messages display the power dynamic of the relationship, wherein Ms. Inyoung You made demands and threats with the understanding that she had complete and total control over Mr. Urtula both mentally and emotionally,” Rollins says. Inyoung You isolated Urtula from friends and family and was aware of the depression and suicidal thoughts brought on by her abuse, Rollins added.
According to an e-mailed statement from Boston College spokesperson Jack Dunn, Urtula was a biology major who had completed his course work and was working as a researcher at a hospital in New York at the time of his death, while Inyoung You studied economics, had been scheduled to graduate next May, but had withdrawn from the college back in August.
Inyoung You is now in her native South Korea. Negotiations are underway to get her to return to the U.S. voluntarily, Rollins says — but if they fail, extradition proceedings will begin.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.