"Hiccup Girl" Charged With Murder

Hiccup Girl's Murder Defense: She Has Tourette's, Says Lawyer
Jennifer Mee, 19, Faces First Degree Murder Charge and Possibly Execution
By RUSSELL GOLDMAN
Oct. 26, 2010

The lawyer, for a Florida teen famous for her non-stop hiccupping and now facing trial for murder, says he may employ an unusual defense for his client – she has Tourette's syndrome.

"Hiccups are a symptom of Tourette's," her lawyer John Trevena told the Associated Press without explaining how Tourettes would qualify as a legal defense in a murder case. Calls by ABC News to Trevena were not returned.
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http://abcnews.go.com/US/hiccup-girl-lawyers-defense-tourettes/story?id=11975237
 
It seems strange to me that someone who had no intention of being involved in a fatal shooting (just robbery) and didn't fire the fatal shot (or any shot) should be convicted of first degree murder.

Maybe courts should have a more clearer categorization of charges?
 
Brian-M said:
It seems strange to me that someone who had no intention of being involved in a fatal shooting (just robbery) and didn't fire the fatal shot (or any shot) should be convicted of first degree murder.

Maybe courts should have a more clearer categorization of charges?
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I don't think it matters. I think if you're committing a felony and someone dies, it's automatically murder one.
 
Brian-M said:
It seems strange to me that someone who had no intention of being involved in a fatal shooting (just robbery) and didn't fire the fatal shot (or any shot) should be convicted of first degree murder.

Maybe courts should have a more clearer categorization of charges?
Click to expand...

Joint enterprise/common purpose I think is the term.
 
Most states have what is called "felony murder." Felony murder occurs when, during the commission of a felonious crime, a person is murdered even when the original intent of the crime did not call for it. Therefore, if the purpose of the crime was armed robbery and someone was murdered, it becomes felony murder.

Depending on the law, felony murder is generally considered a serious aggravating factor and makes the case viable for the death penalty or life in prison.

Also, under the law, if you are involved in the planning and commission of the crime, you are responsible for all aspects of the crime regardless of your actual role. Whether or not you pulled the trigger, if your partner did, you are just as guilty.
 
I watched the case. They never did explain how Tourettes defends vicarious liability.

And I really wanted to know. :(
 
Brian-M said:
It seems strange to me that someone who had no intention of being involved in a fatal shooting (just robbery) and didn't fire the fatal shot (or any shot) should be convicted of first degree murder.

Maybe courts should have a more clearer categorization of charges?
Click to expand...

I believe she had the choice not to rob anyone. That's the one I've made.
 
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