RantCrush Top 5: March 30, 2017

On Monday, three teens broke into a house in Oklahoma but were shot and killed by a member of the family. Now their 21-year-old female accomplice Elizabeth Rodriguez–who was in the car during the burglary and didn’t even enter the home–will be charged with three counts of felony murder for their deaths. These charges are possible because of the felony-murder rule, which allows anyone involved in the commission of a felony to be charged with murders that happen as a result.

The man who shot the invaders will likely not be charged with a crime, as authorities claim he acted in self-defense. But critics of the felony murder law say that prosecutors are sometimes a little too quick to use it. For example, the rule disregards what intention the suspect had when committing his or her crime, and it could also be used as a way for police officers to deflect blame if an officer accidentally kills someone.

Getaway driver charged with murder after 3 teens killed by homeowner’s AR-15 wielding son during robbery attempt https://t.co/1IzJz9lmvY

— Mike Hayes (@michaelhayes) March 28, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.