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

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

Felony murder rule

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For the felony murder rule in all U.S. jurisdictions, see felony murder rule.

In the state of Wyoming the common law felony murder rule is codified at W.S. 6-2-101(a). This rule provides that anyone who kills another human being during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of a sexual assault, arson, robbery, burglary, escape, resisting arrest, or kidnapping is guilty of first degree murder.[2] The Wyoming Supreme Court has clarified this by stating that the intent necessary to be convicted under the felony murder rule is only the intent that is necessary for the underlying crime.[3]

Penalties

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Source:[4]

Offense Mandatory sentencing
Criminally negligent homicide Up to 1 year in jail
Homicide by vehicle
Drug-induced homicide Up to 20 years in prison
Aggravated homicide by vehicle
Manslaughter
Second-degree murder 20 years in prison to life-with-parole
First-degree murder

References

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  1. ^ "National Center for Health Statistics: Homicide Mortality by State". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  2. ^ W.S. 6-2-101(a) (Supp.1993).
  3. ^ "Jansen v. State, 892 P.2d 1131, 1138 (1995)". Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  4. ^ "Chapter 2 - Offenses Against The Person :: Title 6 - Crimes And Offenses :: 2010 Wyoming Statutes :: Wyoming Statutes :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia". Law.justia.com. July 1, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
This open draft remains in progress as of February 15, 2022.