BOULDER — When Boulder County jurors begin deliberations today in the murder trial of Kevin McGregor, they will be able to consider a wide range of homicide charges, the Daily Camera reported.
Defense attorneys asked that jurors be allowed to consider second-degree murder or manslaughter — in addition to the first-degree and felony murder charged by prosecutors.
However, the lesser charges also offer a lifeline to McGregor, 23, who faces a mandatory life sentence without parole if found guilty of first-degree murder. Manslaughter carries a sentence of two to six years in prison, while second-degree murder carries four to 24 years.
The difference in the homicide charges hinges on intent and state of mind. First-degree murder is killing someone with intent and after deliberation. Felony murder, killing someone in the course of another crime, is included within first-degree murder.
Denver Post staff and wire reports
