Warning: This article discusses suicide.
A former university student in Boston, who encouraged her boyfriend to take his own life, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Inyoung You, 21, was physically, verbally and psychologically abusive to her boyfriend, Alexander Urtula, said Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins at a press conference.
"Ms You made demands and threats with the understanding that she had complete and total control over Mr Urtula both mentally and emotionally," Rollins said.
The couple sent more than 75,000 texts to each other in the two months prior to Urtula's death, 47,000 of them were sent by You.
The texts told Urtula to "go die" and "go kill yourself", and the messages show the power dynamic in the relationship, Rollins said.
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The couple were students at Boston College, and You also tracked Urtula and was nearby when he died on May 20, the same day as his Boston College graduation.
The abuse was witnessed by classmates and family as well as being documented in Urtula's diary entries.
In the days leading up to Urtula's death, the abuse became more frequent, powerful and demeaning, Rollins said.
You is currently in her native South Korea, and extradition proceedings will begin if she doesn't return to the US voluntarily.
The case is similar to Massachusetts woman Michelle Carter's, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2017 after using texts and phone calls to encourage her boyfriend to take his own life.
Rollins said while there were similarities between You's case and Carter's case, there were also differences, including You having complete control over Urtula.
Where to find help and support:
Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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