A couple from Fort Worth, Texas took a trip to the Margaritaville Resort Casino hotel. Someone within the resort called police around 2:00 am to report a domestic disturbance within the room. Upon arrival, enforcement officers reported a young woman was present within the room with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. The injury was fatal.
Shortly after the officers responded to the call, they arrested the man who was staying at the resort with the young woman. Officers charged the young man with second degree murder.
A second degree murder charge in Texas can result in five to 99 years of prison time in a state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. In order to establish guilt, the state must generally prove the accused caused the victim’s death either through recklessness or commission of a crime. In most cases, the state must prove one of the following to build a successful case: (1) the accused intentionally and knowingly caused the death of another, (2) the accused intended to cause serious injury that could result in death, or (3) the accused was committing another crime that could cause serious injury and potentially lead to the death of another.
Defenses for these charges can include a lack of intent, intoxication or self-defense. The best defensive strategy will depend on the details of the case and may include a combination of strategies. As such, it is wise for those who are facing these allegations to seek legal counsel to help better ensure a defense strategy is tailored to their case.