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PROVO, Utah (AP) — A Utah man accused of encouraging a high school friend to hang herself and filming the act has been charged with witness tampering.
Prosecutors say 19-year-old Tyerell Przybycien (pro-BISH-ian) wrote to a friend discouraging the person and others not to speak to authorities.
Court documents say he encouraged the person to "remain silent" as his December trial approaches.
He's accused of buying a rope and tying a noose for the 16-year-old girl who hanged herself in Spanish Fork Canyon in May 2017. Prosecutors say he told a friend that helping would be "like getting away with murder."
Defense attorneys have argued Jchandra Brown left suicide notes showing she made the choice herself, and Przybycien's role did not amount to murder.
His lawyer did not immediately respond a message seeking comment Monday.
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