Murder in Rhode Island law constitutes the intentional killing, under circumstances defined by law, of people within or under the jurisdiction of the U.S. state of Rhode Island.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the year 2020, the state had one of the lowest murder rates in the country.
Definitions
Rhode Island law defined murder as "the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought", with first degree murder including "every murder perpetrated by poison, lying in wait, or any other kind of willful, deliberate, malicious, and premeditated killing", as well as murders committed in the course of a lengthy list of other crimes, or against various public officers in the performance of their duties. All other murders are classified as second degree murders.
Penalties
| Offense | Mandatory sentence |
|---|---|
| Second Degree Murder | Life or no less than 10 years |
| First Degree Murder | Life without parole or Life (parole eligibility after 15,20 or 25 years) |
References
- "National Center for Health Statistics: Homicide Mortality by State". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
- ^ "2023 Rhode Island General Laws :: Title 11 - Criminal Offenses :: Chapter 11-23 - Homicide :: Section 11-23-1. - Murder". Justia Law. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
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