Teen who convinced boyfriend to commit suicide heads to trial

A woman who sent her boyfriend dozens of text messages encouraging him to commit suicide will head to trial this week, nearly three years after he took his own life.

Michelle Carter, now 20, is charged with manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III, who was found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning in his pickup truck in Fairhaven, Connecticut, on July 12, 2014.

Police found that, prior to Roy's death, Carter had sent him multiple text messages like, "When are you gonna do it? Stop ignoring the question. ????" and "If you want it as bad as you say you do it's time to do it today."

Carter's attorney has argued that her texts are protected under the First Amendment, adding that Roy was depressed and had previously tried to take his own life.

According to the Boston Globe, a lone judge, rather than a jury, will hear Carter's case in Bristol County Juvenile Court.

Opening statements are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.