Newly released autopsies show extreme temperatures in state prisons may have contributed to multiple recent deaths behind bars. But the state says heat hasn’t killed any prisoners in more than a decade. A lawsuit challenging Texas prison heat protocols will be heard in federal court on Tuesday.
It’s not manslaughter. The Depraved Indifference (also called Depraved-Heart) rule elevates it to murder.
When someone actively chooses to act in a way that is so dangerous that death is a likely outcome, the depraved indifference to human life is essentially treated as intent to kill. The classic example would be choosing not to recall a tainted batch of medicine in order to maintain profits.
This would certainly qualify for the rule.
Great point, thank you!