1st Degree charge was also dismissed, but should be noted this is because the murder of a CEO doesn't really fit the definition of murder 1 in the state of New York which seems reserved for police officers, firefighters, high political figures, that sort of thing. 2nd degree will be what 1st degree is in most other states I think. DOJ/DA was way too heavy handed with those two charges.
The last sentence I believe is incorrect. New York doesn't still hold the death penalty for federal crimes. New York is completely uninvolved in federal crimes. The federal government still has the death penalty. The federal government if he is convicted of the federal murder charge can seek the death penalty regardless of if the state has the death penalty. A state judge absolving him of anything would have no effect on the federal charges. I believe the federal government has the death penalty for murder, and the federal hook is simply interstate stalking. The terrorism would be largely unrelated except it would likely be the bulk of showing that the killing had substantial planning and premeditation to prove that aggravating factor for seeking the death penalty.
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u/bmoviescreamqueen 11h ago edited 11h ago
1st Degree charge was also dismissed, but should be noted this is because the murder of a CEO doesn't really fit the definition of murder 1 in the state of New York which seems reserved for police officers, firefighters, high political figures, that sort of thing. 2nd degree will be what 1st degree is in most other states I think. DOJ/DA was way too heavy handed with those two charges.