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Michelle Carter returns home as lawyers begin appeal process

The woman convicted of convincing her boyfriend to kill himself through series of text messages was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison Thursday in Fall River court.

Continuing coverage of the sentencing - click here to WATCH LIVE

The judge said that she will only serve 15 months of her sentence in prison for involuntary manslaughter, with the rest of it suspended until August 2022.

"How could Michelle Carter behave so viciously?" said Conrad Roy Jr., the young man's father, to the courtroom.

READ THE TEXT MESSAGES: Between Michelle Carter and Conrad Roy the day he died

The family of Conrad Roy’s spoke Thursday during victim impact statements, remembering him as loving, sensitive and an excellent brother.

“He gave me an amazing 13 years being my best friend and best role model," said Camden Roy, Conrad's sister.

Roy’s mother wasn’t in court because she said it was too painful; his father spoke strongly against Michelle Carter.

Boston 25 Live Stream

Sentencing underway for woman convicted of convincing boyfriend to kill himself through series of text messages.

Posted by Boston 25 News on Thursday, August 3, 2017

Carter was 17 when the 18-year-old Roy was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in 2014.

The judge said that state had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that she acted recklessly and ultimately was responsible for his death when she told him to get back into the truck.

The Commonwealth asked for seven to 12 years in prison, saying that Carter had never shown remorse and tried to deceive his parents.

“Her support system just does not get the impact of what she did,” said ADA Katie Rayburn.

Carter's lawyer asked for probation and continued counseling, noting her mental health problems and eating disorder.

"Miss Carter does not pose a danger to the public," said Defense attorney Cataldo.

Cataldo said what happened was out of character and she would be a successful candidate for probation.

"This is a horrible circumstance that she regrets and does take responsibility in her letter," said Cataldo.

MORE: Watch the moment Michelle Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter

The same judge who found Michelle Carter guilty of involuntary manslaughter in a bench trial handed down her sentence. He issued that her incarceration to begin Thursday.

Immediately after the sentence, Cataldo moved to wait for her incarceration after the appeal process. Instead, they asked for probation first.

Judge Moniz said that he anticipated this motion and believes that the case is worthy of the appellate court wisdom. He granted the stay through the Massachusetts court, meaning she will not go to prison Thursday.

COURT DOCUMENTS: 

Moniz issued the probation rules, saying Carter was not to have contact with Roy family, witnesses or leave the state.

Carter returned home after court Thursday.