A suicide case in Massachusetts, United States, has resulted in a criminal charge for the girlfriend of the deceased.

The deceased, Alexander Urtula, a former student at Boston College, was dating You Inyoung, a woman from South Korea, when he committed suicide.

Died on his graduation day

On May 20, 2019, Urtula died after jumping from a parking garage, on the same day he was due to graduate.

According to CBS News, his family was in town and present at the ceremony, but waited for him in vain.

During a news conference, District Attorney Rachael Rollins announced that You had been indicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

The couple exchanged 75,000 text messages in the two months before Urtula's death, of which You sent 47,000.

These included texts in which she allegedly encouraged Urtula to kill himself.

You aware Urtula suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts

According to the Suffolk District Attorney's Office, Rollins said that the texts became more "frequent, powerful and demeaning", even though You was aware that Urtula was suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts.

Rollins said:

"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."

She added that the messages demonstrated the power dynamics of the relationship, and that You made threats and demands with the understanding that she had "complete control" over Urtula.

Rollins also stated that You used manipulation and threats of self-harm to isolate Urtula from his friends and family.

You allegedly present at same place where Urtula committed suicide

You was also allegedly present at the same parking garage where Urtula committed suicide.

According to NBC News, quoting Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Grasso:

"You was aware of his location and was present on the roof of the parking structure at the time that he did jump."

You has left the U.S. and is currently in South Korea, but the authorities are "cautiously optimistic" that she will voluntarily return to the U.S.

Otherwise, said Rollins, they would "utilise the power they had" to get her back.

Helplines:

SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1800-221-4444

Singapore Association of Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)

Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)

Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800

Top image from Urtula family/Suffolk DA's office and Suffolk DA's Facebook page.