Murder Charge Filed Against Boyfriend in Dragging Death

Christine McGhee

Michael P. Morrone, 24, who in 2010 was convicted of simple and aggravated assault for dragging his girlfriend with his truck, has been charged with murder.  The incident occurred in 2008 on the Kutztown University campus.  According to testimony given at Morrone’s trial, the couple were arguing after a party, and the 6’2″, 250 lb New Jersey native pushed McGhee out of his truck.  When she got back in, he admitted to pushing her out again and driving off.  Prosecutors say McGhee was holding on to the 2006 Ford F150 as it moved.  She was dragged nearly 50 yards through the parking lot and suffered extensive brain damage.   According to police, six hours after the incident, Morrone sent McGhee a text message that read,  “I just wanna know if you’re okay. Just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and I’ll leave you alone.”   The 23-year-old remained in a vegetative state until she died on March 18, 2012.  Following McGhee’s death, a 3rd-degree murder charge against Morrone was filed in Berks County, PA.  The charge asserts that Morrone acted with malice.  A coroner’s report states that McGhee’s injuries were “consistent with flying off of a vehicle at around 30 mph.” Morrone is currently serving a sentence of 5 to 20 years at the state correctional facility in Camp Hill, PA.