In 39 States, People Can Be Sentenced to Life for Murders They Did Not Commit
Criminal Justice In 39 States, People Can Be Sentenced to Life for Murders They Did Not Commit The Sentencing Project highlights the perverse consequences of the felony murder rule, a vestige of British law that still prevails in federal courts and all but two states. But it was Meade's partner in crime who actually shot the victim (accidentally, he said). Meade nevertheless was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life without parole, while the killer pleaded guilty to lesser offenses and received a 12-year sentence.
- ▪Criminal Justice In 39 States, People Can Be Sentenced to Life for Murders They Did Not Commit The Sentencing Project highlights the perverse consequences of the felony murder rule, a vestige of British law that still prevails in federal co
- ▪But it was Meade's partner in crime who actually shot the victim (accidentally, he said).
- ▪Meade nevertheless was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life without parole, while the killer pleaded guilty to lesser offenses and received a 12-year sentence.
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Criminal Justice In 39 States, People Can Be Sentenced to Life for Murders They Did Not Commit The Sentencing Project highlights the perverse consequences of the felony murder rule, a vestige of British law that still prevails in federal courts and all but two states. Jacob Sullum | 7.24.2026 4:35 PM Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL Add Reason to Google Media Contact & Reprint Requests <img src="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/c800x450-w800-q80/uploads/2026/07/Felony-Murder-7-24-26-800x450.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto" width="1200" height="675" title="a photo of a handcuffed prison overlaid with images from a report on felony murder laws" alt="a photo of a handcuffed prison overlaid with images from a report…
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