Video - Words That Kill: The Michelle Carter Case

On July 13, 2014, 18-year-old Conrad Roy III was discovered dead in his truck from carbon monoxide poisoning. Initially perceived as a tragic suicide, the case took a chilling twist upon the examination of his phone. Investigators found that his girlfriend, 17-year-old Michelle Carter, had sent numerous text messages urging him to end his life. When Conrad hesitated and stepped out of his truck, Michelle texted him to "Get back in." He complied. This unprecedented case led to Michelle's conviction for involuntary manslaughter, solely based on her text messages. Her trial ignited a national debate: Can words alone hold someone accountable for another's suicide? Ultimately, Michelle served 11 months in prison and was released in 2020.