‘Conrad’s Law’ proposed to criminalize encouraging suicide

By News Staff

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BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) – The family of a Massachusetts teen who committed suicide after being coerced by his girlfriend is hoping a new bill will grant harsher prison sentences to suicide enablers.

“Conrad’s Law” named after 18-year-old Conrad Roy, would send people to jail for at least five years if found guilty of convincing someone to commit suicide.

The family hopes the new legislation would help save lives.

The bill is being filed to address what legislators say are inadequate state laws surrounding suicide coercion.

Michelle Carter, Roy’s girlfriend at the time of his death in 2014, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with his suicide for encouraging him through text messages to take his own life.

She was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

For Roy’s family, the law is seen as a way to honor his memory while protecting other families.

Carter is currently serving a 15-month sentence in her case. Her attorneys have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for review.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019