. >> reporter: detective scott gordon of the fair haven police department was assigned to the case.st impression was suicide by carbon monoxide. >> it was apparent these placed a water pump in the rear of his truck and eventually passed away as a result of the carbon monoxide from that. >> reporter: to those who knew conrad best it didn't make sense. had they missed something? conrad had been getting help, taking medication, and seemed hopeful about his future. his grandmother remembered him using that very pump to help out his dad just days before. >> i acan see the smirky smile e always had. >> reporter: his father recalled t the two of them setting up fireworks on a barge. >> we were laughing. watching fireworks. he seemed fine. when i left, the last thing i said is "i love you," and he said, "i love you" back. >> his family wonder will what pushed him over the edge. they got comfort from a surprising source. michelle carter reached out through text consoling her. did you feel you were getting support or a connection -- >> absolutely. i told her i loved her. she told me so many g