Video - Texting Tragedy: The Dark Side of Digital Influence

In July 2014, the tragic death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III shocked the nation. Found in his truck due to carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities initially saw it as a heartbreaking suicide. However, upon examining his phone, a chilling narrative emerged. Roy's girlfriend, Michelle Carter, only 17 at the time, had sent a barrage of texts urging him to end his life. Despite Conrad’s hesitation and moments of doubt, Michelle's messages were relentless, even instructing him to "get back in" when he momentarily left the vehicle. This unprecedented case led to Michelle's conviction for involuntary manslaughter, marking a legal milestone where text messages played a pivotal role in determining responsibility for another’s suicide. The case ignited a nationwide debate on the power and accountability of words in the digital age. Michelle ultimately served 11 months in prison, with her release in 2020.