Defense rests in text message suicide trial; closing arguments complete

TAUNTON, Mass. — The defense has rested its case in the trial of a Plainville woman accused of encouraging her boyfriend to kill himself through a series of text messages.

Michelle Carter is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the 2014 suicide of 18-year-old Conrad Roy.

In closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn said Carter knew what she was doing when she encouraged Roy to kill himself and tried to use him for attention.

Prosecutors say the then-17-year-old Carter pressured Roy to take his own life through a torrent of text messages.

MORE: All the texts between Michelle Carter and Conrad Roy the day he died

They say she told Roy to "get back in" his truck when he became frightened while trying to kill himself with carbon monoxide.

Carter's attorney, Joseph Cataldo argued Roy was simply forcing Carter to be part of his second attempt.

Carter's lawyer has argued that Roy had attempted suicide previously and made his own decision to take his own life.

Judge Lawrence Moniz said he will take the statements and evidence under advisement in order to make a ruling. Once his ruling is made, Moniz said he will announce it in open court the following morning.

MORE: Doctor says meds may have impaired teen's empathy in texting suicide case

Associated Press