Court Ruling Allows Inyoung You Prosecution to Proceed

Commonwealth will try Inyoung You in the suicide of her boyfriend Alexander Urtula

BOSTON, January 15, 2021 — Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said today her office will continue to prepare for the trial of INYOUNG YOU and seek justice for Alexander Urtula, after a Superior Court judge denied in part and allowed in part Ms. You’s motion to dismiss the manslaughter charges she faces in connection with Mr. Urtula’s suicide on May 20, 2019, the day he was to graduate from Boston College.

“The tragedy of this case with a young man on the cusp of his professional life is profound,’’ said District Attorney Rollins. “My office will continue to be there providing access to services for the Urtula family.  The legal process is long and complicated, particularly with the delays caused by the Global pandemic and the journey to a place where healing can begin is grueling.  We intend to be there every step of the way.’’

In an order docketed yesterday, Superior Court Judge Christine Roach denied Ms. You’s motion to dismiss manslaughter charges today, following a hearing on the matter last October.

The Commonwealth had argued that Ms. You could be prosecuted for manslaughter on two theories. Judge Roach denied the motion dismiss on the theory of “manslaughter by commission”, finding that Ms. You’s words could have caused Mr. Urtula to take his own life. She allowed the motion to dismiss regarding the theory of “manslaughter by omission”, finding that Ms. You’s failure to summon help was not the cause of the suicide.

“While both sides have the ability to appeal the decision, we will also continue to prepare for trial and fight any appeal the defense many make. 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.  A Suffolk County grand jury agreed and a Superior Court Judge has allowed the prosecution to proceed,’’ said District Attorney Rollins.

“I would like to thank my staff, especially Assistant District Attorneys Caitlin Grasso and Cailin Campbell, who have led this investigation and carefully considered how to bring this unique case to trial where a jury will ultimately decide if Ms. You caused Mr. Urtula to take his life,’’ District Attorney Rollins said. “The work of the MBTA Transit Police was invaluable.”

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has been in close contact with the Urtula family and they have requested us to relay to the media their strong desire for privacy and to be left alone in their grief. They continue to deeply mourn the loss of Alexander, who was a loving son, brother and uncle. This Office hopes the media will respect the family’s wishes.

The VWA assigned to the case is Nicole Bresnahan.

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.