Murder is the intentional, unlawful killing of another human being. It is one of the most severe forms of criminal homicide and often results in lengthy prison terms and sometimes the death penalty.
In common law jurisdictions, a murder conviction requires malice aforethought, meaning that the offender must have had an intent to kill before the killing occurred. Whether or not the intent was premeditated is usually left to the court’s discretion. Some jurisdictions divide murder into degrees, for example first-degree and second-degree murder. Other jurisdictions use statutory definitions of murder.
There are many causes of homicide, including domestic violence, gang-related slayings, and mass shootings. Some homicides are committed in the heat of passion or as a result of provocation, while others may be carried out for financial gain. Mental illness, drugs and alcohol, and reckless behavior can also lead to a person’s death.
Considering the serious nature of homicide, societies are generally concerned with reducing it. However, there are always a few cases that defy reason and seem to be unconnected to any known motivation or situation. What makes a person act in such an irresponsible way?
In general, murder investigations are complex and time is a key factor. The lapse of months or even decades between the crime and its discovery can make it harder to identify potential suspects, while a lack of new evidence can exclude certain possibilities. But it’s also true that, as we’ve seen on television shows like Unusual Suspects and Driven to Murder, following every lead – no matter how contrived or unlikely – is often the key to solving these crimes.