South Korean College Student Indicted On Manslaughter Charges For Suicide Of Her Late Boyfriend

A former Boston College student has been charged for her alleged connection to the suicide of her boyfriend.

Inyoung You, 21, was indicted by a grand jury in Boston on Oct. 18 for her alleged role in the suicide of 22-year-old Alexander Urtula. On May 20, Urtula lept from the top floor of a parking garage in Roxbury on the same day he was set to graduate from Boston College.

You’s indictment came after an investigation turned up evidence of alleged abuse while she was in a relationship with Urtula.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins on Monday addressed the charges, saying You was “physically, verbally and psychologically abusive” during their 18-month relationship. The alleged abuse continued all the way up to Urtula’s suicide.

“The abuse became more frequent, more powerful and more demeaning in the days and hours leading up to Mr. Urtula's untimely death,” Rollins said.

Evidence of the abuse was found in Urtula’s phone, which contained over 75,000 text messages the two exchanged in the two-months before the suicide. Rollins explained the messages reportedly showed You had control over Urtula’s actions, making “demands and threats” to get what she wanted. The alleged threats lead to the suicidal thoughts and depression Urtula suffered before taking his own life.

In text messages, You had urged Urtula to kill himself. She was also present when he jumped from the garage.

Rollins also said friends and family of Urtula witnessed the alleged abuse by You several times.

“The investigation revealed Ms. You used manipulative attempts and threats of self-harm to control Mr. Urtula and isolate him from friends and family,” Rollins said. “It also found that Ms. You was aware of his spiraling depression and suicidal thoughts brought on by the abuse. Even still, she continued to encourage Mr. Urtula to take his own life.”

You, who is currently in South Korea, faces involuntary manslaughter charges. U.S. prosecutors will seek extradition if she declines to voluntarily return.