TAUNTON, Mass. (AP) — The Massachusetts woman charged with manslaughter for sending her boyfriend text messages encouraging him to kill himself has waived her right to a jury trial.
Michelle Carter’s decision Monday means a judge will hear the testimony and issue the verdict. Opening statements are scheduled to begin Tuesday.
The 20-year-old Carter is charged in the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III. Roy was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in his pickup truck.
Prosecutors released transcripts of text messages the then-17-year-old Carter sent to Roy. In one, she allegedly wrote: “The time is right and you’re ready, you just need to do it!”
Carter’s lawyer has said the texts are protected free speech. He’s also said Roy was depressed and previously tried to take his own life.
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