Carter sentenced in texting case
Michelle Carter awaits her sentencing Thursday in Taunton, Mass., for involuntary manslaughter for encouraging Conrad Roy III to kill himself in July 2014. She was sentenced to serve 15 months.
Michelle Carter, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for urging her boyfriend through calls and text messages to commit suicide, was sentenced Thursday to 15 months behind bars, but will not serve time during her appeal.
A Massachusetts judge ruled Carter was responsible for Conrad Roy III’s death because she had placed him in a situation that led to his suicide in a landmark case that made national headlines.
Bristol County Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz sentenced Carter to 2 1/2 years in the Bristol County House of Correction, with 15 months suspended.
However, the judge granted Carter a stay of incarceration, meaning Carter will not serve time behind bars until she has exhausted her appeals in state court.
Moniz said in court Thursday afternoon that although he does not believe Carter’s age, maturity level or mental health issues had a significant impact on her actions in 2014, her youth gives her a better chance at rehabilitation.
Carter’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment in the case.
During Carter’s sentencing, the judge called Roy’s death a tragedy for two families.
Before the judge announced his decision, Roy’s family members gave emotional statements. Roy’s sister, Camdyn Roy, called him her “best friend” and “role model” and said she will always be haunted by his death.
Roy’s father, Conrad Roy Jr., said he was heartsick.
“I cannot begin to describe the despair I feel over the loss of my son,” he said. “I am heartbroken. Our family is heartbroken. My son was my best friend.
“Michelle Carter exploited my son’s weaknesses and used him as a pawn in her own well-being,” he added. “How could Michelle Carter behave so viciously and encourage my son to end his life? Where was her humanity? In what world was this behavior okay and acceptable?”