Murder in Alaska law explained

Murder in Alaska law constitutes the intentional killing, under circumstances defined by law, of people within or under the jurisdiction of the U.S. state of Alaska.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the year 2020, the state had a murder rate near the median for the entire country.[1]

Felony murder rule

In the state of Alaska, the common law felony murder rule is codified in Alaska Statutes § 11.41.100(a). Alaska's law regarding felony murder is very specific, and unlike most felony murder rule laws, which make all felony crimes that cause murder that of the first degree, delegates some felony murders to second degree murder.

First degree murder

Alaska makes the following offenses equate to first degree murder if they result in death:

Second degree murder

The following offenses equate to second degree murder if they result in death:

This is enumerated entirely at Alaska Statute Sec. 11.41.100(a)(2)-(5) (first degree murder) and 11.41.110(a)(3)-(5) (second degree murder).[2] [3]

Penalties

Source:[4]

OffenseMandatory sentencing
Second-degree murder5–99 years
First-degree murder or second-degree murder of an unborn child75–99 years
First-degree murder with aggravating factor99 years (there is no life sentence without parole)

Notes and References

  1. Web site: National Center for Health Statistics: Homicide Mortality by State . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. September 24, 2021.
  2. Web site: Alaska Statutes: AS 11.41.100. Murder in the First Degree.. www.touchngo.com.
  3. Web site: Alaska Statutes: AS 11.41.110. Murder in the Second Degree.. www.touchngo.com.
  4. Web site: Alaska Statutes: AS 12.55.125. Sentences of Imprisonment For Felonies . Touchngo.com . 2012-08-02.