Legal Definitions - felonious homicide

Felonious homicide refers to any killing of one human being by another that is considered a felony under the law. This means the act of causing another person's death is a serious crime, as opposed to a killing that is legally justified (such as in self-defense) or excusable (such as a pure accident without criminal negligence). Felonious homicide encompasses serious offenses like murder and manslaughter, which carry severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.

Here are some examples illustrating felonious homicide:

• Example 1: Intentional Killing During a Robbery

  During a convenience store robbery, a perpetrator intentionally shoots and kills the store clerk to prevent them from calling the police. The perpetrator is later apprehended.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates felonious homicide because the killing of the clerk was not only intentional but also occurred during the commission of another serious crime (robbery). This act would almost certainly be classified as murder, which is a felony, making the killing a felonious homicide.

• Example 2: Death Caused by Reckless Driving Under Influence

  A driver, heavily intoxicated, speeds through a residential area, loses control of their vehicle, and crashes into another car, instantly killing the other driver.

  Explanation: This is a felonious homicide because the driver's extreme recklessness and illegal act of driving under the influence directly led to another person's death. While there might not have been an intent to kill, the severe negligence and violation of law elevate the killing to a felony, likely vehicular homicide or involuntary manslaughter, both of which are serious crimes.

• Example 3: Killing in a Fit of Passion

  Two individuals get into a heated argument that escalates rapidly. One person, overwhelmed by sudden, intense anger and provocation, grabs a nearby object and strikes the other, causing a fatal head injury.

  Explanation: This situation demonstrates felonious homicide because a human life was taken due to a criminal act. Although the killing might not have been premeditated, the act of striking another person in a fit of passion, resulting in death, would typically be classified as voluntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter is a felony, thus making the killing a felonious homicide.