It’s that court case that has the eyes of the nation watching, and now we’ve learned that a judge in Massachusetts has found Michelle Carter guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the 2014 death of Conrad Roy III, her then-boyfriend.
The prosecution argued that Carter encouraged Roy to kill himself through a series of phone calls and text messages, in a story first shared by People.
Videos by PopCulture.com
Judge Lawrence Moniz, of the Massachusetts’ Bristol County Juvenile Court, passed down the decision on Friday, which is only three days after the closing statements were made.
The trial only lasted for a total of 6 days, and Carter potentially faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
She was charged as a youthful offender, but under Massachusetts state law juvenile offenders can be sentenced the same as an adult.
However, at the time of the crime, she was a minor.
Roy’s father, Conrad Roy Jr., released a statement following the ruling. He said, “This has been a very tough time for our family and we’d like to process this verdict that we’re happy with.”
Up Next: Man Charged With Murder In Fatal Stabbing Using Freddy Krueger
One of Carter’s lawyers, Joseph Cataldo, said the Judge Moniz’s decision “disappointed” him, and he went on to imply that he might consider filing an appeal.
Judge Moniz reportedly spoke from the bench for around 20 minutes, explaining his findings before he announcing the decision he’d come to.
At first, he was said to seem to be exonerating Carter for her behavior in the days leading up to Roy’s suicide, but then focused in on her actions the day of Roy’s death.
This, he said, ultimately led to his conviction decision.
More: Three Teens Charged With Capital Punishment For Alleged Murder Of 6-Year-Old Boy
While delivering his ruling, Moniz said, “Carter’s actions and also her failure to act where she had a self-created duty to Mr. Roy, since she had put him in that toxic environment, constituted each and all wanton and reckless conduct.”
He referenced to very specific moments: Carter telling Roy to get back into a truck that she was aware was filling with deadly carbon monoxide, as well as her failure to notify anyone about what was happening.
Carter has waived her right to a jury trial, and her sentencing has been set for August 3rd.
While her lawyer seemed to suggest it, it was not clear if Carter herself intends to go through the appeals process.
