Michelle Carter,
“You’re finally going to be happy in heaven. No more pain. It’s okay to be scared and it’s normal. I mean, you’re about to die,”
"Everyone will be sad for a while but they will get over it and move on."
"So I guess you aren’t gonna do it then, all that for nothing. … I’m just confused like you were so ready and determined.”
“No, you’re not, Conrad. Last night was it. You keep pushing it off and you say you’ll do it but u never do. Its always gonna be that way if u don’t take action,”
These are some of the last text messages that Conrad Roy III received from you in the final days before his death.
Conrad has dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts the majority of his short life. Significant others are supposed to help each other get help and to support each other through the difficult times. They are supposed to provide love and a little glimpse of hope when the rest of their world looks dark and full of doom. Instead, you stayed on the phone with Conrad while he died, pushing him to go along with it and to not give up this time.
Who do you think you are trying to decide what's best for someone?
You, Michelle Carter, are the and reason that your boyfriend is dead.
You are the reason that his parents will never see him smile again.
You are the reason that a teenage girl needs to grow up without her older brother.
You are the reason that there will be an empty placemat at the table for Thanksgiving dinner.
You are the reason his friends will have no more memories to make with him.
You are the reason that he will never get help for his mental problems.
You are the reason his life was cut far too short.
Playing the grieving girlfriend full of pity and shame is not going to work; it's far too late to be full of regrets. You being a recipient of sympathy ended when you convinced Conrad to commit suicide and did not call his parents or the authorities to stop it before it was too late.
Prior to your case, the deceased individual was always considered responsible for their own suicide. You, Michelle, changed this. You were "virtually present" when your boyfriend died, making you guilty of involuntary manslaughter. And you know what? I'm thrilled about the verdict. I wish that your entire life could be spent in prison with the guilt of this instance tearing you apart. I hope that every time you see a truck or hear your phone bing that you think of your boyfriend who is no longer around thanks to you.
I could never imagine doing this to anyone, let alone someone I am in love with.
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can also kill.
Sincerely,
A sad, pissed off, 20-year-old mental health advocate