1st Degree Murder: In Louisiana, first-degree
murder is the killing of a human with intent to kill or inflict harm combined with another aggravating circumstance that made the act especially bad. For example:
- The involvement of kidnapping, rape, arson, burglary, terrorism, cruelty to juveniles, etc.
- The victim is a policeman or fireman, under the age of 12 or over 65, or the witness to a crime.
- The offender killed more than one person, received anything of value as payment for the murder, was engaged in the purchase or distribution of illegal drugs, and violated a restraining order with the victim.
Second Degree Murder: Second-degree murder is the killing of a human being when the offender has the specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm.
Manslaughter: According to Louisiana Laws Revised Statutes,
Manslaughter in Louisiana is second-degree murder but with the qualification that it was committed in a “sudden passion” caused by a provocation that would cause one to lose his self-control and act irrationally.