On the evening of the 4th of July, with the distant crackling of fire crackers heard in the distance, Derek Dordson, standing in his backyard, aimed his big-game rifle straight into the sky. He fired three shots in rapid succession. Then he returned to watch cartoons on TV. Unbeknownst to Derek, his first bullet descended onto Victor's head, killing him instantly. Derek's second bullet descended onto the windshield of Albert's car, causing him to jerk the steering wheel to the left to avoid further "gunfire" which, in turn, caused him to collide head on with an oncoming vehicle driven by police Sergeant Phillips. Albert had robbed a nearby service station and was speeding from the scene of the crime when Derek's bullet dropped. Both Phillips and Albert were killed instantly. Derek's third bullet was never found. Of what crimes is Derek not guilty?
A)murder of the first degree, three counts (Victor, Albert, and Phillips)
B)involuntary manslaughter for the death of Victor
C)involuntary manslaughter, one count each, for the death of Albert and Phillips
D)violation of an ordinance prohibiting the discharge of firearms in city limits

Question

On the evening of the 4th of July, with the distant crackling of fire crackers heard in the distance, Derek Dordson, standing in his backyard, aimed his big-game rifle straight into the sky. He fired three shots in rapid succession. Then he returned to watch cartoons on TV. Unbeknownst to Derek, his first bullet descended onto Victor's head, killing him instantly. Derek's second bullet descended onto the windshield of Albert's car, causing him to jerk the steering wheel to the left to avoid further "gunfire" which, in turn, caused him to collide head on with an oncoming vehicle driven by police Sergeant Phillips. Albert had robbed a nearby service station and was speeding from the scene of the crime when Derek's bullet dropped. Both Phillips and Albert were killed instantly. Derek's third bullet was never found. Of what crimes is Derek not guilty?
A)murder of the first degree, three counts (Victor, Albert, and Phillips)
B)involuntary manslaughter for the death of Victor
C)involuntary manslaughter, one count each, for the death of Albert and Phillips
D)violation of an ordinance prohibiting the discharge of firearms in city limits

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Derek is not guilty of murder of the first degree for the deaths of Victor, Albert, and Phillips because there was no premeditation or intent to kill any of these individuals. His actions, while reckless, do not constitute first-degree murder, which requires intent and premeditation.

On the Evening of the 4th of July, with the Distant