The situation described may involve either felony murder or depraved-heart murder, depending on the circumstances and the individual's intent or participation in a dangerous felony that resulted in death.
- The type of murder you are referring to is known as felony murder or could potentially be considered under the concept of depraved-heart murder (also known as depraved-indifference murder).
- In the case of felony murder, even if the person didn't actually commit the killing themselves but was participating in a felony that resulted in a death, they can be charged with murder.
- The landmark case of Enmund v. Florida determined that a death sentence might not be imposed on someone who did not kill, attempt to kill, or intend that a killing take place during a felony.
- Depraved-heart murder, on the other hand, occurs when a person shows such a reckless disregard for life that they put another person in a situation that results in their death, even if they did not have a specific intent to kill.