Felony Murder in Connecticut — C.G.S. § 53a-54c

Felony murder is one of the harshest provisions in Connecticut criminal law. Unlike ordinary murder, where the State must prove intent to kill, felony murder applies even when a death is unintended. If you participate in certain felonies and someone dies during the crime or while fleeing, you can be charged with murder — even if you never touched a weapon or planned to hurt anyone.

Many clients facing this charge feel blindsided. They may admit they committed a burglary, robbery, or drug crime, but never expected a tragedy to occur. Suddenly, they are facing the same punishment as a person who set out to commit an intentional killing. The law is unforgiving, and prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively.

At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, I understand how overwhelming and frightening this situation can be. My job is to explain the law clearly, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and fight to protect your future.

Under C.G.S. § 53a-54c, the prosecution must prove:

1. Underlying Felony: The defendant was committing, attempting to commit, or fleeing from one of the following felonies:
   • Robbery
   • Burglary
   • Kidnapping
   • Sexual assault
   • Escape
   • Certain major drug crimes
2. Death Occurred: In the course of that felony or immediate flight, a person (other than one of the participants) was killed.
3. Causation Link: The death must be connected to the felony. Even if the fatal act was committed by someone else, every participant can be charged.

This doctrine is designed to deter dangerous felonies. But in practice, it often sweeps up people who never intended, expected, or caused the death.

Felony murder is a Class A felony with life-altering consequences:

• 25 to 60 years in prison (mandatory minimum 25)
• Substantial fines and restitution orders
• Lifetime felony record, blocking jobs, housing, and licensing opportunities
• Collateral effects in immigration, child custody, and parole eligibility

There is no probation-only outcome for felony murder. If convicted, prison time is mandatory.

• Robbery Gone Wrong: Two men rob a store. The clerk resists and is fatally shot by one robber. Even if the other robber was unarmed, both can be charged with felony murder.
• Burglary Scenario: Teenagers break into a home to steal electronics. The elderly homeowner suffers a fatal heart attack. All participants can face felony murder charges.
• Drug Deal: A person helps arrange a cocaine sale. A shootout occurs and someone dies. Every participant may be charged with felony murder.
• Contrast Example: A driver accidentally hits a pedestrian while texting. This is not felony murder because there was no qualifying felony. It may be charged as negligent homicide.

Prosecutors approach felony murder cases with intensity. They typically rely on:

• Co-Defendant Witness One participant may agree to testify against others in exchange for a reduced sentence.
• Forensic Evidence: Ballistics, DNA, fingerprints, or surveillance linking defendants to the crime scene.
• Statements to Police: Many clients unknowingly incriminate themselves during questioning.
• Courage Even if intent to kill is absent, prosecutors frame the felony itself as reckless and dangerous, making death foreseeable.

Because intent is not required, the prosecution’s job is easier. That’s why a strong defense is critical.

Despite the severity of felony murder, defenses exist:

• Challenge the Felony: If the State cannot prove the underlying felony, the murder charge collapses.
• Dispute: Simply being present does not equal participation. The defense can argue lack of involvement.
• Causation Arguments: The death must be directly related to the felony. If the chain of events is too remote, the felony murder charge may not apply.
• Suppression Motions: Evidence obtained through illegal searches, improper lineups, or coerced confessions can be suppressed.
• Plea Negotiations: In some cases, charges can be reduced to manslaughter or the underlying felony.

I’ve found that in many cases, the strongest defense comes from dissecting the underlying felony and the connection to the death.

Felony murder convictions go beyond prison time:

• Employment: Felony convictions bar many professions.
• Housing: Landlords often refuse to rent to felons.
• Voting and Firearms: Rights are permanently restricted.
• Immigration: Non-citizens face deportation and lifetime bans.
• Family: Custody, visitation, and parental rights may be jeopardized.

These consequences underscore why every avenue of defense must be pursued.

Regular murder requires intent to kill. Felony murder does not — it applies when a death happens during certain felonies.

No. Year participates

Robbery, burglary, kidnapping,sexual assault, escape, and certain drug crimes.

No. Felony murder carries a minimum 25 years in prison.

It does not matter. Accidental deaths during qualifying felonies still lead to felony murder charges.

Yes. Depending on age, juveniles may be transferred to adult court.

The sentencing range is 25–60 years. Judges decide within that range.

Sometimes, especially through plea bargaining or when evidence of the felony is weak.

They rely on witnesses, co-defendant testimony, forensics, and circumstantial evidence.

Do not speak to police. Contact a lawyer immediately. Early legal intervention can change the course of your case.

• Murder — C.G.S. § 53a-54a
• Manslaughter — C.G.S. §§ 53a-55, 53a-56
• Criminally Negligent Homicide — C.G.S. § 53a-58
• Robbery — C.G.S. § 53a-134

Felony murder charges are life-altering. You may feel like the law is stacked against you, but being charged is not the same as being convicted. Every case has weaknesses, and an experienced lawyer knows how to expose them.

With over 30 years of experience defending murder and homicide cases in Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Bridgeport, and throughout Connecticut, I know how prosecutors build these cases — and how to fight back.

📞 Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer today at (203) 357-5555for use my contact form online for a confidential consultation. Don’t face this alone.