Last year, the body of a 36-year-old female Army veteran was found in the Santa Ana Mountains. According to an NBC Los Angeles news report, her 55-year-old male roommate was found guilty for her death on July 29, 2014. During the trial, the jury listened to a 911 call from the victim in which she said that she was afraid of her roommate. They were also showed video of the man entering a library where he allegedly researched how long it takes a human body to decay. Jurors convicted the man of second-degree murder and his sentencing was scheduled for September 12, 2014. He faces 15 years to life in state prison.
Murder in California is defined as “the unlawful killing of a human with malice aforethought.” Murder is the most aggravated type of homicide. Murder is always unlawful, and unlike manslaughter, it involves malice. Under Penal Code 187, malice is when the “killing resulted from an intentional act” or when it was deliberately performed with a conscious disregard for human life.
First-degree murder is when someone uses a destructive device, when the killing is willful and deliberate or when the murder results from a felony. Second-degree murder is also willful but it does not have to result from deliberate or premeditated action. In fact, any murder that is not a first-degree murder is considered a second-degree murder.
A conviction for second-degree murder can result in 15 years to life in prison. Anyone facing such a serious charge should contact an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney right away. A skilled attorney can help review the facts of your case and help you obtain the most favorable outcome for the accused as possible.
David A. Stein is skilled criminal defense attorney with a track record of obtaining very successful outcomes for his clients. If you have been accused of a crime or need help with any criminal matter, contact our law offices today at (949) 445-0040 for a consultation or contact us online here.