Eric Holder has been charged with murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
In late March, Grammy-nominated rapper and community activist Nipsey Hussle (Ermias Joseph Asghedom) was shot and killed outside of his store in South Los Angeles. The beloved artist died within one hour of the police responding to the scene. This week, his alleged killer — a man who is said to have fought with him shortly before the shooting — was arrested and charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The suspect, Eric Holder, has pled not guilty to these charges.
In California, murder is defined as “the unlawful killing of a human being or fetus with malice aforethought.” According to an experienced murder defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA, malice aforethought means that a person performs an act that has a high likelihood that it will result in death, with a wanton disregard for human life. Under California law, murder can be charged as either first degree or second degree, both of which are felony charges. Prosecutors have not yet specified whether they intend to charge Eric Holder with first degree or second degree murder in Nipsey Hussle’s death, and the related attempted murder charges (for injuring bystanders when he shot at people gathered nearby).
First degree murder may be charged when the killing is (1) willful, deliberate and premeditated; or (2) is done via a destructive device, weapon of mass destruction, armor-piercing ammunition, poison, lying in wait, or torture; or (3) occurs during the commission of certain serious felonies (felony murder rule). First degree murder generally results in a penalty of 25 years to life in state prison. Currently, there is a moratorium on the death penalty in California. As a result, even first degree murder charges will not result in a sentence of capital punishment.
Second degree murder charges involve all other types of murder. For example, if a person intentionally kills someone, but that killing was not deliberate and premeditated, it may be charged as second degree murder. Generally, second degree murder charges are punishable by a sentence of 15 years to life in state prison.
There is no more serious charge in the California criminal justice system than murder. If you have been charged with this crime, you will need a highly experienced murder defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA to represent you. While it can be difficult to defend against murder charges, there are possible defenses to such a charge. For example, if you acted in self-defense or if the killing was not willful, you may be found not guilty or even have the charges against you dismissed. The specific defense will depend on the facts of each case.
The Chambers Law Firm is skilled at representing Californians who have been charged with a range of crimes, from the relatively minor to the most severe. If you are facing a murder charge, we can help. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a murder defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA.
