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DA: No Conflict For Plainville Teen Accused Of Encouraging Friend's Suicide

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — The Bristol district attorney's office says it has no conflict of interest in the case of a Massachusetts high school student charged with encouraging a friend to kill himself.

Michelle Carter's defense attorney has requested the case be moved out of Bristol County.

He says it's impossible for the 18-year-old Carter to receive a fair trial because District Attorney Thomas Quinn is the victim's third cousin.

Michelle Carter
Michelle Carter (WBZ-TV)

Assistant District Attorney Owen Murphy filed a response arguing that Quinn has recused himself from any involvement in the case.

Carter was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III last July.

Authorities say the Plainville woman texted with Roy minutes before he killed himself in the parking lot of a Fairhaven store.

Carter's lawyer says no crime was committed.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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