Felony Murder occurs when death results from injuries sustained during the commission of a felony. Which statement describes this concept?

• A. It requires premeditation
• B. Death occurs during the commission of a felony, regardless of intent to kill
• C. It only applies to a police officer
• D. It is always a capital offense

Answer: (B)

Felony murder hinges on the timing and involvement in a dangerous crime. If a death results while someone is committing a felony, the offender can be charged with murder even if there was no intent to kill. Premeditation isn’t required here—the critical factor is that the fatal outcome occurred during the felonious act, not that the killer planned to kill. It isn’t limited to police officers; any participant whose actions are part of the felony can be liable for murder if a death occurs. And the charge isn’t automatically a capital offense; whether it’s capital depends on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case. This is why the best description is that death occurs during the commission of a felony, regardless of intent to kill.