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Woman charged in suicide death of Boston College student pleads guilty

Alexander Urtula and Inyoung You attended Boston College. Full credit: Suffolk County District Attorney's Office

BOSTON — A woman facing trial in the death of her boyfriend, a Boston College student who died by suicide in 2019, has pleaded guilty in the case.

Inyoung You was accused of involuntary manslaughter in connection with Alexander Urtula’s suicide on the day he was to graduate from Boston College.

Prosecutors had argued that You could be prosecuted for manslaughter on two theories.

In January, Judge Christine Roach denied a motion to dismiss the case on the theory of “manslaughter by commission”, finding that You’s words could have caused Mr. Urtula to take his own life. The judge did allow a motion to dismiss regarding the theory of “manslaughter by omission”, saying You’s failure to summon help was not the cause of Urtula’s suicide.

At the time of the rulings, prosecutors said evidence showed that You’s “...physical, verbal, and psychological abuse towards 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.”

You has now pleaded guilty, and faces 10 years probation.

According to a statement from the district attorney’s office, You is also barred from profiting financially from the facts underlying this criminal case at any time during the 10-year probationary term – “meaning that neither she nor her assignees or agents may receive any payment in return for their involvement in the portrayal of the facts of this disturbing and heart-wrenching situation.”

“Today, Ms. You has chosen to give up her appeal that was pending before the Supreme Judicial Court, and accepted responsibility for her involuntary role in the tragic death of Alex Urtula,” said Yu’s defense attorney, Steven Kim. “Today marks the end to a two year living hell that has upended Ms. You’s life and she hopes that with its conclusion, the Urtula family as well as her own family can move on from this tragedy and have the potential for a peaceful and bright future.”

If You violates any of the conditions, she will face the possibility of incarceration for the suspended sentence - 2.5 year in the House of Corrections.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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