Oct 23, 2020
Maryland And The "Depraved Heart Murder" Charge
The Freddie Gray Murder case has made headlines around the country and
the Maryland crime with which the officers in the murder have been
charged is an interesting one. The officers have been charged with
Second Degree Depraved Heart Murder. This is where the murder is not
planned, as in First Degree Murder, but a murder is committed by an
individual with \"an extreme disregard for human life.\"
In a Depraved Heart Murder case in Maryland, the state generally has to
show several things. First, (1) that the conduct of the defendant caused
the death, (2) that the defendant’s conduct created a very high degree
of risk to the life of Freddie Gray, and (3) the defendant, conscious of
such risk, acted with extreme disregard of the life-ending consequences.
Many wanted First Degree Murder charges brought against the officers,
but these second degree charges make sense, and are much more likely to
be proven in court. We will keep our eyes on this case and look for
justice to be served. If you live in Burlington, Essex, Colchester,
Winooski, Williston, Shelburne, or anywhere in the state of Vermont, and
have been arrested or charged with DUI or any crime, call Handy Law for
aggressive and experienced legal defense.