BALTIMORE —Baltimore police Officer Caesar Goodson could face a maximum of 30 years in prison if he's convicted on a charge rarely seen in Maryland courts -- second-degree depraved-heart murder.
Legal experts say it's murder without premeditation and intent.
"Basically, what we're saying is, 'You acted in such an unreasonable way that we're going to say you're just as guilty as someone who committed outright murder.' That's what second-degree depraved-heart murder is," said Baltimore attorney Adam Ruther, who is not involved in the Goodson case.
Ruther said depraved-heart murder can be considered when there's no evidence that a defendant had intent.
"A normal murder requires the intent to kill, or the intent to do serious bodily harm," Ruther said. "So even though he didn't intend to actually kill anyone or actually harm anyone, but exhibited extreme disregard for human life in the way he acted, then that person can be found guilty of murder under the same theory as the intent to kill."
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5 comments:
That's the most reasonable sounding charge against them, although up to 30 years for what amounts to involuntary manslaughter? How is it that some of the real criminals commit brutal first degree murders then are out on the streets less than ten years later?
May God be with him and give this man a not guilty charge
Not even manslaughter 3:47. Unless they can prove that he intentionally drove recklessly none of his other actions can be considered an extreme disregard for human life. The state is trying to say the lack of seat belt is the extreme disregard for human life.
Prayer for a not guilty finding. Pray ever one of the six are not guilty.
I don't think these charges would have been brought if it had not been for the so called "rough ride policy." Don't know where that came from but as soon as that term was released the charges were brought.
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