Can the intent to kill for attempted murder exist when only one person is primarily targeted?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from The People v. Abner, E048451, No. RIF135077 (Cal. App. 2010):

6. People v. Bland (2002) 28 Cal.4th 313, 329, held that the intent to kill for attempted murder could exist when a person shoots at a group of people, even though only one person in the group is primarily targeted. This occurs when the defendant creates a kill zone, which is when "'the nature and scope of the attack, while directed at a primary victim, are such that we can conclude the perpetrator intended to ensure harm to the primary victim by harming everyone in that victim's vicinity.' [Citation.]" (Ibid.)

7. The trial court and counsel referred to this as a "nickel prior[,]" no doubt, because it carries a five year enhancement.

8. That subdivision provides that any felony in which the defendant personally uses a firearm is a serious felony.

9. People v. Superior Court (Romero) (1996) 13 Cal.4th 497 (Romero).

Other Questions


Can a defendant charged with the murder or attempted murder of an intended target also be convicted of the murder of another person? (California, United States of America)
Does a juvenile court convicted minor of attempted second degree murder, not just attempted murder, but also of premeditated attempted murder? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant charged with the murder or attempted murder of an intended target also be convicted of the murder of other, nontargeted persons? (California, United States of America)
Can a person be convicted of the attempted murder of the primary target? (California, United States of America)
Does a jury have a duty to instruct the jury on voluntary manslaughter and attempted voluntary manslaughter as lesser included offenses of murder and attempted murder? (California, United States of America)
Can the felony-murder rule be applied to a charge of assault and murder in a case where appellant entered the home with intent to commit assault or murder? (California, United States of America)
What is the applicable section of section 186.22(b)(1)(C) of the California Criminal Code for the attempted murder of a man who was convicted of the crime of attempted murder? (California, United States of America)
Is there a difference between a jury convicted of attempted murder and a verdict of deliberate, deliberate and intentional murder? (California, United States of America)
What is the difference between a murder by lying in wait and an intentional murder? (California, United States of America)
What is the effect of section 12022(b) of the California Penal Code on a person convicted of the attempted murder of a minor? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.