Zack and Amber have been married for 15 years. They have one child, Angel, who is ten. The health of their relationship has been typical, marked by occasional disagreements about money and family issues, but nothing so serious as to threaten their marriage.

Zack, a local police officer, returned home from work early one day because he was feeling ill. When he entered the home, he discovered his wife, a stay-home mother, in the kitchen with a man, Dallas, whom he recognized to be a police officer colleague. Amber was naked and Dallas was shirtless. After a moment of shock, Zack became enraged, pulled out his duty weapon, and shot Amber. Dallas ran out the back door of the home. Zack gave chase but ended his pursuit in the backyard, returned to the home, called 911, and attempted to save Amber, who had a pulse. She died before the paramedics arrived. 

Dallas ran to his car, which he had parked two blocks away in an attempt to keep his visit with Amber secret. He unlocked the car, started it, and quickly drove away. Distraught over what had just happened, he was not mindful of his speed nor was he watching the road. Three miles from where he started, he struck and killed nine-year-old Megan, who was crossing the street in a school zone. Dallas had been traveling at 50 miles per hour. The speed limit was 15 miles per hour in the school zone.

Applying California laws, has Zack committed murder for the death of Amber? Manslaughter? Some other crime? Explain your answers fully through explaining your state's laws.  Make sure to tell the reader what your state laws say.

Applying your state's laws, has Dallas committed murder for the death of Megan? Manslaughter? Some other crime? Explain your answers fully.

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In California the legal system would determine the charges based on the specific circumstances aFo... View the full answer