Which statement correctly describes wanton murder?

• A. Premeditated murder
• B. Disregard for human life with knowledge their act could cause death
• C. Murder during the commission of a felony
• D. Accidental death due to negligence

Answer: (B)

Wanton murder rests on a depraved indifference to human life—the offender acts with reckless disregard for the risk that death could result, even though there might be no intent to kill. The statement that describes disregarding human life with knowledge that the act could cause death captures this mindset: the person recognizes the risk and proceeds anyway, showing a seriously reckless state of mind rather than a plan to kill.

Premeditated murder involves planning or deliberation to kill, which is not present in wanton murder. Murder during the commission of a felony falls under felony murder rules, a separate doctrine where death occurs in the course of a felony. Accidental death due to negligence isn’t murder at all; it’s a different crime like criminally negligent homicide.