“A review of the video does not support a conclusion that Gavin McKenna acted with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or with reckless indifference to the value of human life.”
Penn State hockey player and NHL prospect Gavin McKenna is no longer facing an aggravated assault charge in connection with an altercation that took place in downtown State College.
According to StateCollege.com, District Attorney Bernie Cantorna has withdrawn the charge of felony aggravated assault against McKenna. “A review of the video does not support a conclusion that Gavin McKenna acted with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or with reckless indifference to the value of human life," the DA said.
McKenna is still facing a misdemeanor charge of simple assault as well as disorderly conduct. State College police responded to Mount Nittany Medical Center on Saturday night, where a 21-year-old had been sent to the hospital with a broken jaw after the alleged assault. The incident took place on the 100 block of South Pugh Street in State College. The man had surgery to repair his jaw, which will not be wired shut for two weeks.
When the man spoke to police, his face appeared swollen as well as had dried blood on his lips. Police said that a tooth was also visibly missing from his mouth after the incident.
McKenna punched the man in the face two times "following an exchange of words," according to witnesses. The complaint in the case did not detail what was said at the time. Cantorna said that online speculation as well as other details reported about what led up to the altercation were "not accurate."
The incident took place the same day that Penn State played its first ever game at Beaver Stadium. McKenna had scored a goal in the 5 to 4 overtime loss.
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