felony murder

American  

noun

1. a killing treated as a murder because, though unintended, it occurred during the commission or attempted commission of a felony, as robbery.

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Example Sentences

“When you combine accomplice liability, felony murder, and the death penalty, it is a toxic stew,” professor Maria Kolar, of Oklahoma City University School of Law, told me.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

A judge vacated the felony murder convictions in 2020, after testing found the towel was free of blood.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 20, 2023

But charged as an adult and facing life in prison on a charge of felony murder, he took a plea deal at the urging of his family.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2023

White pleaded guilty to escape in exchange for a felony murder charge involving Vicky White’s death being dropped and agreed to the maximum sentence of life without parole.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2023

The jury was unable to reach a consensus regarding the felony murder charge, and a mistrial was declared on that count.

From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone