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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A former Boston College student has been charged in her boyfriend's suicide after authorities said she "physically, verbally, and psychologically" abused him and encouraged him to kill himself.
Inyoung You, 21 of South Korea, was indicted with involuntary manslaughter on October 18 in connection to the death of her boyfriend, Alexander Urtula, 22.
Urtula jumped off the roof of a Roxbury parking garage on May 20, just hours before he was set to walk in BC's graduation ceremony.
In a release, Rollins' office said prosecutors and MBTA Transit Police detectives looking into Urtula's cell phone found evidence of You's alleged abusive behavior. Over the two months before Urtula's death, the two had exchanged over 75,000 texts, where Rollins' office said a power dynamic emerged that showed You "had complete and total control over Mr. Urtula both mentally and emotionally."
"Her texts included repeated admonitions for Mr. Urtula to “go kill himself” to “go die” and that she, his family, and the world would be better off without him," the release read.
Rollins' office said evidence of the abusive relationship was corroborated by You and Urtula's friends and classmates, as well as Urtula's journal.
"The investigation revealed Ms. You used manipulative attempts and threats of self-harm to control Mr. Urtula and isolate him from friends and family," the DA's release read. "It also found that Ms. You was aware of his spiraling depression and suicidal thoughts brought on by her abuse. Even still, she continued to encourage Mr. Urtula to take his own life."
Investigators also found You was tracking Urtula's location on May 20, and was present with him at the Renaissance parking garage when he jumped.
"The indictment alleges Mrs. You's behavior was wanton and reckless," Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said. “Students come to Boston from around the world to attend our renowned colleges and universities. They are eager to learn and experience our vibrant city. Their families and loved ones do not expect them to face unending physical and mental abuse."
Readers may be familiar with a recent similar case. Michelle Carter is currently serving out a prison sentence after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter for encouraging her boyfriend, Conrad Roy, to kill himself in 2014.
Rollins' office is working with You's counsel to coordinate her arraignment.
The Urtula family has asked Rollins' office to relay their wishes to be left alone.
WBZ NewsRadio's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports
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