Homicide Charges Dropped In IUP Student's Chokehold Death

An Indiana County prosecutor has dropped a homicide charge against an Indiana University of Pennsylvania student who had been accused of choking a fellow student to death.

Indiana County District Attorney Thomas Bianco said he withdrew the charge against Yeaseam Nelson, 19, of Philadelphia, after an autopsy concluded that Mikhail Young, 21, died of a heart problem.

State police said Young got into an argument with a woman on July 31, and Nelson put him in a chokehold.

Young was found dead in an off-campus apartment about two hours after the fight between the two IUP students.

Nelson is still charged with aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Defense attorney Bob Dougherty declined comment but said he was glad that his client had been released on bail so he could assist in preparing his defense.

• E-Mail Newsletter: Get The Latest News Sent To Your E-Mail! • Mobile: Get WPXI Headlines On Your Phone, iPhone, More • RSS: Add Us To Your Page!