It's reported that the killer is charged with SECOND degree murder on four counts.

[Sogo]

Why isn't it FIRST?? He clearly had planned and prepared and pre-meditated these murders....????

[NutmegYankee]

1. A Grand Jury has to indict for first degree under state law.

It's going to happen soon, but for now they need what charges they can to hold him.

[Sogo]

3. Thank you!

nt.

[Silent Type]

2. Doubt it makes much difference in this case. He's cooked.

[Ocelot II]

4. First-degree murder has to be charged by grand jury indictment, so the initial charge

will always be by complaint for second-degree murder, in order to get the perp held and presented for arraignment. After that the case is presented to a grand jury where prosecutors will ask for a first-degree murder indictment.

[hlthe2b]

5. It WILL be FIRST degree. These are just "place-holder" charges.

[rsdsharp]

6. He can't have been charged with four counts of murder in any degree.

He killed two people, not four. He could (as of now) be charged with two counts of attempted murder, and two counts of murder.

[Initech]

7. It was first degree murder with hostile intent.

And he planned to kill more.