Murder in Washington, D.C., law constitutes the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought within the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia.
Murder is generally classified into first and second degree, with various penalty ranges determined by the District of Columbia Official Code.
Generally: If certain procedural requirements are met by the prosecution and an “aggravating factor” is found, the court may impose a prison sentence that exceeds these normal maximums.
For example: In cases involving the murder of a police officer, the court may impose a sentence of life without the possibility of release.
[3] Official crime statistics concerning murder in the District of Columbia are compiled and published by local and federal agencies.