565.021. Second degree murder, penalty.
Defines second-degree murder and what the penalties are
This law explains the two main ways a person can be charged with second-degree murder in Missouri and the penalties that apply if convicted.
1. A person commits second-degree murder if they:
- (1) Knowingly cause someone’s death, or cause death while trying to seriously hurt them; or
- (2) Commit or try to commit a felony, and someone is killed during that felony or while fleeing from it—this is often called “felony murder.”
2. Second-degree murder is a class A felony. The punishment is separate from and added to the penalty for any related felony that caused the death (unless that felony is murder or manslaughter).
3. At trial, the jury (or judge in a bench trial) must consider all second-degree murder types listed in subsection 1 if there is evidence and if requested by a party or the court.
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