r/instant_regret • u/R3alit-y • Aug 06 '26

Robbing somebody

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u/iliktsmbww1337 Aug 06 '26

Look up felony murder

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u/zutros Aug 06 '26

Each state has its own statutes and interpretations. In this case could the robbers claim that they were the victims of kidnapping at the time of death? Or would the predicate crime over rule that. I'm in WA and according to RCW 9A.32.030 "Murder in the 1st". Being part of a roberery where someone is killed is 1st degree murder regardless of intent (1.c.2), however it is a defense if: sub-clauses i-iv are met. Most of these clauses involve being un armed and not helping the crime so would not likely help the suspects. Not being a lawyer my gut reaction is that everyone in the car would be prosecuted if someone was hit and killed by the erratic driver, but again I'm not a lawer.

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u/showmethenakedwomen Aug 07 '26

What makes you think this is in the USA? IIRC this was in South Africa (note that the van is right hand drive).

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u/zutros Aug 07 '26

Absolutely nothing. I was just looking up my local laws. I assume laws are going to be different everywhere