Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Can you be convicted of a homicide you didn't commit in the U.S.?

If six US citizens voluntarily went down to Mexico with me, and while we were in Mexico I murdered these six people, or convinced them to murder eachother to survive, and then I returned to the US, could I be charged with the murders in the US even though they were not committed in the US? This is research for a screenplay I'm trying to write, and the attorney who answers it is welcome to credit and a copy, if interested.


Asked on 3/22/05, 5:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Philip Iadevaia Law Offices of Philip A. Iadevaia

Re: Can you be convicted of a homicide you didn't commit in the U.S.?

If a US citizen murdered another US citizen outside international borders, the federal and state courts would have jurisdiction to prosecute the murders. Additionally, the foreign county where the murders took place would have jurisdiction as well. The US would have to have an extradition treaty that would govern the extradition, if any. This is similar to a terrorist killing an American in Beruit, for example. Call me to discuss (310) 806-9237

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Answered on 3/22/05, 5:16 pm
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Can you be convicted of a homicide you didn't commit in the U.S.?

Your statement indicates that the original plan to lure the 6 individuals to Mexico so they could be murdered. Thus California would have jurisdiction to prosecute the murder charge.

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Answered on 3/23/05, 2:19 am


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