PA+Homicide+Scenario,+Example,+Questions-2

PA Homicide-2


 * Local example:**[]

Francis Timothy Plaza, 51 is being charged with first and third degree murder after shooting his wife Michelle Plaza, 44 after she told him she was leaving him. He was feeling an intense rage and passion where he didn't have time to cool down. Voluntary Manslaughter is a first degree felony with a maximum of 20 years. First degree murder comes with a mandatory life sentence without parole and a third degree murder sentence is a maximum of 40 years in prison. The commonwealth believed that Plaza intentionally meant to kill his wife when he shot her five times. They also said he might have psychological issues so he is going to get tested for that. Plaza is still in county prison right now (without bail) and he is scheduled for trial in June.

Mr. Black comes home from a long day of work when he finds that his front door is hanging wide open. As he approaches the house he hears screams from his wife and baby coming from inside. Now Mr. Black has a license to carry a loaded firearm at all times and has the firearm in his jacket. He runs upstairs to find a man with a gun to his wife and child’s head. Mr. Black shoots and kills the man.
 * Scenario:**

1. Compare and Contrast First degree murder and Voluntary manslaughter and explain the fine line between them that makes the district attorney office file that charge against them with that sentence. 2. Look at the definitions of first, second, and third degree murder and explain the differences between them. Also explain why the district attorney would charge you for more than one.
 * Higher order thinking questions:**