Video - Texting Tragedy: The Dark Side of Words

On July 13, 2014, 18-year-old Conrad Roy III was discovered dead inside his truck, a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. Initially perceived as a tragic suicide, the case took a disturbing twist when the police delved into his phone records. His girlfriend, 17-year-old Michelle Carter, had been texting him, urging him to end his life. Even when Conrad hesitated and stepped out of the truck, Michelle insisted, "Get back in." Tragically, he complied. This unprecedented case led to Michelle's conviction for involuntary manslaughter through her text messages. It ignited a national conversation on whether words alone can hold someone accountable for another person's suicide. Michelle ultimately served 11 months in prison, gaining release in 2020.