Statement Regarding Indictment of Michelle Carter

Statement Regarding Indictment of Michelle Carter:

Michelle Carter, 18, of Plainville, was indicted as a youthful offender on February 5th on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. The charge is connected to the July 13, 2014 death of Conrad Roy, 18, of Fairhaven and Mattapoisett. On that date, Fairhaven police were notified by his family that he was missing. On this same date Fairhaven Police Officers located Roy in his parked motor vehicle behind K-Mart at 9 Plaza Way, Fairhaven. Roy was located inside the vehicle and determined to be deceased. The physical evidence led officers to believe that Roy was the victim of suicide by means of carbon monoxide poisoning. A subsequent search of Roy’s cell phone led to a joint investigation by Fairhaven Police and State Police Detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office.

Based on the totality of the investigation, it is alleged that Ms. Carter had first hand knowledge of Roy’s suicidal thoughts. Instead of attempting to assist him or notify his family or school officials, Ms. Carter is alleged to have strongly influenced his decision to take his own life, encouraged him to commit suicide and guided him in his engagement of activities which led to his death.

Ms. Carter was arraigned on the indictment on February 6th in New Bedford Juvenile Court. Juvenile Court Judge Siobhan E. Foley set bail in the amount of $2,500 cash, and set conditions that she have no internet access other than for school assignments; no access to any social media; no text messaging with anyone other than immediate family (mother and father). Ms. Carter is due back in New Bedford Juvenile Court for a pretrial hearing April 17th.

It should also be noted that District Attorney Thomas Quinn recused himself from the investigation at its inception, and the ongoing prosecution of this case, due to a familial relationship he has with the victim’s family. He will continue to have no role in this matter.

Gregg Miliote
Director of Communications
Bristol County District Attorney’s Office