Prosecutors Drop Felony Charge Against Penn State's Gavin McKenna
Centre County prosecutors dropped the aggravated-assault felony tied to a Jan. 31 altercation that left a man with jaw fractures.
Overview
Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna dropped the felony aggravated-assault charge against 18-year-old Gavin McKenna, saying video evidence did not support proof of intent to cause serious bodily injury.
State College Police said the Jan. 31 altercation, at about 8:45 p.m. ET after Penn State's Beaver Stadium game, left a 21-year-old man with two fractures to one side of his jaw who required surgery.
McKenna remains charged with misdemeanor simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct, and the Centre County District Attorney's Office rescheduled the preliminary hearing for March 11, officials said.
Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old freshman from Whitehorse, Yukon, has 11 goals and 21 assists in 24 games and is regarded as a likely top pick in the June NHL draft, scouting reports said.
The outcome of the March 11 preliminary hearing could affect McKenna's NCAA eligibility and draft status, hockey analysts said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources report this as straightforward, fact-focused coverage: they present prosecutorial findings, specific evidence (jaw fractures, no knocked-out teeth), and charge changes without loaded language. They include relevant context — McKenna’s draft prospects and NIL deal — while not editorializing or using emotive descriptors, resulting in neutral reporting.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The charge was dropped because video evidence did not support proof of intent to cause serious bodily injury, as determined by the Centre County District Attorney's Office after review.
McKenna remains charged with misdemeanor simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.
The 21-year-old victim suffered two fractures to one side of his jaw, required surgery, and is recovering; initial reports of fractures on both sides and a missing tooth were incorrect.
The preliminary hearing for the remaining charges is rescheduled for March 11.
The outcome of the March 11 preliminary hearing could impact his NCAA eligibility and status as a top pick in the June NHL draft.
History
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