Prosecutors have decided to drop a felony aggravated assault charge against Gavin McKenna, a promising hockey talent from Yukon. This decision comes after the Pennsylvania district attorney’s office stated that the charge lacked sufficient evidence from the altercation captured on video.
Initially facing four charges including felony aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct, McKenna, 18, found himself in legal trouble following an incident near Pennsylvania State University’s main campus. McKenna, a standout in college hockey with the Penn State Nittany Lions and anticipated as a top NHL draft pick, allegedly struck a 21-year-old man during the altercation, causing facial injuries that required corrective surgery.
According to prosecutors, the alleged victim claimed to have been punched twice by McKenna after a verbal exchange between two groups. The complainant reportedly suffered fractures to one side of his jaw, contrary to earlier reports of injuries to both sides. Despite the severity of the injuries, prosecutors found no evidence supporting the aggravated assault charge, citing a lack of intent to cause serious harm or reckless behavior on McKenna’s part.
While the felony charge has been dropped, McKenna still faces the remaining charges of simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct in connection to the injuries sustained by the victim. The district attorney’s office emphasized that these charges are linked to the significant harm experienced by the victim during the altercation.