18 U.S.C. § 1121 – Killing Persons Aiding Federal Investigations or State Correctional Officers
This statute imposes federal murder penalties for killing individuals assisting federal investigations or certain state correctional officers.
What this statute does.
Section 1121 extends federal homicide jurisdiction to killings connected to federal criminal investigations and to certain killings of state correctional officers under specified federal circumstances.
It exists to protect cooperation with federal law enforcement and to cover custodial situations tied to federal authority.
Protected persons under subsection (a).
The statute applies when a defendant intentionally kills:
- A state or local official or law enforcement officer working with federal law enforcement in furtherance of a federal criminal investigation, or
- Any person assisting a federal criminal investigation, while that assistance is being provided and because of it
The killing must be tied to the victim’s official duties, public servant status, or investigative assistance.
Penalty for subsection (a).
A violation is punished under 18 U.S.C. § 1111, including:
- Life imprisonment, or
- The death penalty
State correctional officer killings.
Subsection (b) applies when an incarcerated person intentionally kills a state correctional officer if:
- The officer is transporting the inmate interstate, or
- The inmate is incarcerated for a federal conviction
Penalty for subsection (b).
The mandatory sentencing range is:
- At least 20 years imprisonment
- Up to life imprisonment or death
Why this statute matters.
Section 1121 bridges state and federal authority. It allows federal prosecutors to bring homicide charges when the victim’s role or the defendant’s custodial status connects the conduct to federal interests.
If you are facing federal homicide charges involving investigative assistance or custodial status, call (314) 900-HELP or
contact our federal criminal defense attorneys.
