Which statement best describes felony murder as described in the material?

• A. Death that occurs during the commission of a felony, even if the killer did not intend to kill
• B. Death that requires intent to kill
• C. Death by negligence during a felony
• D. Death that occurs after the felony is complete

Answer: (A)

Felony murder means a death that happens during the commission of a felony, even if the killer didn’t intend to kill. The idea is that engaging in a dangerous felony creates malice for murder liability, so intent to kill isn’t required. The death can be accidental or unintended, as long as it occurs in the course of committing the felony.

This fits why the other options aren’t correct: requiring an intent to kill isn’t necessary in felony murder; a death caused by negligence isn’t felony murder (that would be a different charge like negligent homicide); and a death that occurs after the felony is completed isn’t covered by the felony murder rule because the criminal act has ended.