Felony Murder

Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors and typically carry potential penalties of more than one year in prison, while misdemeanors usually involve up to one year in jail. The classification affects sentencing, fines, probation, and long-term consequences like voting, gun, and employment rights. This article explains the key legal differences, common examples, and how […]

Chris Watts received five life sentences without parole in 2018 after pleading guilty to murdering his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two daughters. The case also raised complex legal issues around plea deals, victim rights, and the handling of family annihilation crimes. This article explains the convictions and sentencing, key court developments, and the […]

Felony murder is a legal doctrine that can elevate an unintended killing to murder when it occurs during the commission or attempted commission of certain felonies. In many jurisdictions, prosecutors need not prove intent to kill—only that the death was linked to the underlying felony and participants may be held liable, even if they didn’t […]