Boston

A Look at Michelle Carter's Life Behind Bars After Texting Suicide Conviction

The 22-year-old woman was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for encouraging her boyfriend to end his own life

What to Know

  • Michelle Carter, 22, is now in state custody after a judge approved prosecutors' request to have her begin her jail sentence.
  • The Plainville, Massachusetts resident was sentenced to 15 months in jail for convincing Conrad Roy III to kill himself.
  • Carter's lawyers say they plan to take her case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sheriff Thomas Hodgson took NBC10 Boston and necn inside the women's center at the Bristol County House of Correction, where 22-year-old Michelle Carter will soon move into general population.

"It's relatively stark, but it's jail," said the Massachusetts sheriff, describing the small, barren cell Carter will share with a roommate.

In her first week behind bars, Hodgson says Carter has gotten a book from the jail library and had a visitor.

"Michelle Carter has been no problem. She's assimilating very well," he said.

Carter has been housed in the medical unit, which Hodgson says is standard procedure. He says the jail moves slowly with first-time offenders, making sure the inmate's physical and mental health situation are "stabilized and good."

Carter is serving 15 months for involuntary manslaughter for her role in the suicide of her boyfriend, Conrad Roy.

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The case has gotten national attention.

"In her case, we have to pay particular attention because of the possibilities of the pressure of a big case like this," Hodgson said.

Once in general population, Carter will be able to eat three meals a day in the cafeteria, attend self help groups and watch TV in the common area.

The facility is no stranger to notable inmates, like former Patriots player Aaron Hernandez.

Hodgson says each and every inmate is different.

"She didn't have sort of the notable popular personality that an Aaron Hernandez had, but more so seemed sort of reserved and quiet," he said.

Carter already has attended some self help groups with the general population, and she's expected to move into general population any day now.

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting 'Home' to 741741.

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