Saturday, October 14, 2017

Teen Accused of Helping Friend Commit Suicide Could Face Trial for Murder

Jchandra "Jelly" Brown
To see article and video, click here.

PROVO, Utah (KSTU) -- A judge will decide if a Spanish Fork man will face trial on a murder charge in the suicide of a 16-year-old girl.

Utah County prosecutors argue that Tyerell Przybycien's actions led Jchandra Brown to kill herself, and he should be tried for first-degree felony murder and a class B misdemeanor charge of failure to report a body. His defense lawyers argued that Brown was responsible for her own actions.

Przybycien, 18, sat next to his lawyers, looking straight ahead as arguments were made here on Tuesday.

Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander argued that Przybycien bought the rope, tied the noose and picked the tree. He also took video of the girl's suicide. Her body was found the next day by hunters in Payson Canyon.

Utah has no assisted suicide law, and prosecutors argued Przybycien's actions merited a murder charge. Grunander argued that Przybycien wanted to see someone die.

"He used her suicidal ideations for his own purpose," Grunander told the judge. "The defendant bragged about getting away with murder."

To view Ms. Brown's obituary, click here.