An 18-year-old girl in Massachusetts could see the next 20 years of her life behind bars, if found guilty, after she was charged with involuntary manslaughter for her friend's suicide.

Prosecutors from the Bristol County District Attorney's Office said Michelle Carter, egged 18-year-old Conrad Roy to kill himself last July.

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Carter has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, a charge punishable by up to 20 years in prison, authorities said.

Prosecutors said Carter encouraged Roy to take his own life after exchanging texts. The relationship of the two has not been established but Roy's grandmother said Carter loved him.

Based on court records, Roy texted Carter as he arrived in K-Mart driving his truck, with a gas generator inside.

Roy got out of his truck and texted Carter, saying he was not sure if he should go through with it.

The court papers said that instead of stopping Roy, Carter texted back, ordering him to get back into his truck.

Roy died inside his truck due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Immediately after learning of Roy's death, Carter posted messages on social media, telling her friends how she missed him.

She even led a fundraising drive that aims to raise awareness about suicide.

The Bristol County DA saw ill motives in Carter.

"Instead of attempting to assist him or notify school officials, a counselor, a family member, anyone, Miss Carter is alleged to have strongly influenced his decision to take his own life, encouraged him to commit suicide on multiple occasions and guided him through the process, including the engage of activities that ultimately led to his death," Gregg Miliote, a spokesman for the Bristol County DA, said.

Carter was arrested and released after posting US$2,500 bond. She was also ordered to stay off social media after her court appearance last Friday.

Carter will be in court again on 17 April.

"It is outrageous for the Bristol County District Attorney's Office to now criminalize the situation," said Carter's lawyer, Joseph Cataldo.

TagsMichelle Carter, Conrad Roy, Massachusetts Suicide