Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

murder

Hello:

My question is as follows:

4 men go to a home, seeking to kill a woman (they have guns) because she set things in motion, causing harm to their families, actually causing the death of one man's wife.

They march her up to a roof, guns in hands. She is standing at the edge of the roof, where the roofing is very weak. They actually fire their weapons, but at the same time, she makes a break for it, attempting to jump to the roof of the adjacent house. The roof where she is standing gives way, she falls into the alley between the houses, and subsequently is killed as a result of her injuries.

She did not sustain any bullet wounds; it is the fall that actually killed her. Can the defendants in this case still be charged with murder? And if so, what type of charges? First degree, involuntary manslaughter?

Thank you very much


Asked on 4/08/08, 9:24 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Carlos Gonzalez Gonzalez Legal Associates PLLC

Re: murder

Overall, the most prevalent and plausible theory, and toughest potential penalty, could be murder in the 1st degree under the felony murder rule... where in the commission of a felony the death of an individual is caused inteht to cause this death may be applied...

if you have any further questions you may feel free to contact my office at 212.709.8303

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Answered on 4/09/08, 4:48 pm
Christopher Hoyt The Law Offices of Christopher W. Hoyt

Re: murder

Yes they can potentially face charges for murder under a number of theories as well as related charges.

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Answered on 4/08/08, 2:41 pm


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