Judge Denies Request For Special Prosecutor In Suicide Case
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — A judge has denied a request by the lawyer for a woman charged with manslaughter for allegedly encouraging a friend to kill himself for a special prosecutor.
Joseph Cataldo, an attorney for 18-year-old Michelle Carter, of Plainville, asked for a special prosecutor because the victim is related to Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn. Quinn has recused himself from the case, but Cataldo said every prosecutor in Quinn's office should be barred from involvement.
A judge Thursday denied that request, saying Cataldo failed to demonstrate conflict of interest.
Cataldo says he plans an appeal.
Quinn is a third cousin to Conrad Roy III, who killed himself last July in Fairhaven.
Prosecutors say Carter sent Roy text messages encouraging him. Cataldo said the opposite is true, and Carter tried to stop Roy from killing himself.
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