Student's Girlfriend Accused Of Urging Suicide Headed For Trial

BOSTON — The former Boston College student accused of urging her boyfriend to take his own life will face trial after a judge denied her request to dismiss the manslaughter charges against her Friday, prosecutors said.

Inyoung You faces a manslaughter charge over the May 20, 2019 death by suicide of Alexander Urtula.

When she was indicted in 2019, prosecutors said You subjected Utula to "unrelenting abuse," including using a barrage of disparaging text messages.

A Superior Court judge allowed in part and denied in part You's motion to dismiss the charges against her, following an October hearing.

Judge Christine Roach allowed You's motion to dismiss on the prosecution's theory of "manslaughter by omission," the theory that You caused the suicide by failing to call for help. But she denied You's motion to dismiss on the theory of "manslaughter by commission," holding that You's words could have caused the suicide.

“The tragedy of this case with a young man on the cusp of his professional life is profound,’’ said Suffolk District Attorney Rachel Rollins. “My office will continue to be there providing access to services for the Urtula family."

Urtula died by suicide on the morning of his graduation from Boston College.

Both sides still have the ability to appeal the decision, but prosecutors are preparing for trial, Rollins said.

“We maintain that the evidence shows that Ms. You’s physical, verbal, and psychological abuse towards Mr. Urtula during their 18-month long tempestuous relationship – abuse which became more pronounced, powerful and demeaning in the days and hours leading up to Mr. Urtula’s death, were a cause for his suicide," Rollins said. "A Suffolk County grand jury agreed and a Superior Court Judge has allowed the prosecution to proceed."