felony murder for killings by police

Felony Murder for Police Killings

In some states, after a police officer kills someone, prosecutors can charge a third-party for their death. This is known as the "felony murder" rule, which is a law that allows for a person to be charged with murder if someone dies while they are committing a felony, even if they did not directly cause their death.

last updated: November 2021

10 States

no felony murder law


27 States

No known cases of felony murder when police caused the death


10 States

People have been charged with felony murder for killings by police

Recent Legislation

2021

Illinois

  • Passed a new law that narrowed felony murder in which third parties (like the police) cause the death (the changes are not retroactive).