>>21490272
Nah, there’s like 4 degrees of murder and two manslaughter’s all representing varying levels of severity and punishment, all loosely tied to intent, level of responsibility/recklessness, state of mind, etc.
1st degree murder: intent, malice, premeditated, the works. “You hit a pedestrian with your car because two days ago you found out he fucked your wife”
2nd degree murder: intent without premeditation or extreme malice. “You hit a pedestrian with your car because just now you found out he fucked your wife.”
3rd degree murder: Not recognized in most states, kinda loose, almost like voluntary manslaughter but with extra reckless endangerment. “You hit a pedestrian with your car because you wanted to go 100 mph down neighborhood roads.”
Felony murder: Loosely defined to make it an easy catch-all to punish dangerous felons. Any death caused by you or your partner(s) actions while committing a felony can be charged to you and your partner(s) as felony murder, regardless of if you participated in the killing yourself. The law hates felons. “Your getaway driver hit a pedestrian with his car while evading police.”
Voluntary manslaughter: 3rd degree murder’s weaker cousin. “You hit a pedestrian with your car because you sped through a red light.”
Involuntary manslaughter: Unintentional death from actions you’re still responsible for and held liable for. “You hit a pedestrian with your vehicle while looking at your phone.”
In this case I imagine the killer simply escalated the fight to lethal force without reasonable fear for safety. Pushing/yelling then going straight to shooting without a warning after brandishing.
