Update: Penn State Hockey Player Gavin McKenna's Assault Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor
The felony assault charge against Penn State hockey player Gavin McKenna in Centre County has been dropped by the district attorney. McKenna is now facing a misdemeanor charge of simple assault, as well as summary offenses of harassment and disorderly conduct. The decision to drop the felony charge reduces the potential sentence McKenna could face if convicted. The district attorney stated that video evidence did not support the initial serious bodily injury charge.
McKenna is accused of breaking a man's jaw in downtown State College after an altercation following a hockey game. The man had surgery to repair fractures to his jaw, although it was clarified that only one side of his jaw was fractured and he did not lose a tooth. The incident occurred after an exchange of words between the man, his friends, McKenna, and the group he was with near a parking garage entrance.
While details of the verbal altercation were not fully disclosed, the district attorney emphasized that verbal arguments should never escalate to physical violence resulting in serious injuries. McKenna allegedly punched the man twice on the right side of his face, according to statements from the man's friends who witnessed the incident. McKenna was released on bail and his status with the Penn State hockey team remains uncertain.
McKenna's preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11, just before Penn State's next game at Michigan. The district attorney's decision to drop the felony charge has implications for the potential outcome of the case and McKenna's future. The situation highlights the importance of addressing conflicts without resorting to physical violence.