murderer

A murderer is a person who commits the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. In legal terms, murder is distinguished from other forms of homicide by the presence of malice and intent. Definitions vary by jurisdiction, but common-law traditions separate first-degree murder (premeditated or carried out under aggravating circumstances) from second-degree murder (intent to kill without premeditation) and from reduced forms such as manslaughter, where malice or intent may be lacking or diminished by circumstances. Some systems include felony murder rules, which hold a person responsible for murder if death results from the commission of a dangerous felony, even without a specific intent to kill.

Murderers may act alone or with others and can be categorized by patterns and motives. Serial killers kill multiple victims over a period of time with cooling-off intervals between incidents; spree killers kill two or more victims in a short period without a significant break; mass murderers kill many in a single event. Perpetrators may be motivated by political, financial, personal, ideological, or psychological factors, including hatred, revenge, or the thrill of killing. Criminal enterprises sometimes employ contract killers or hitmen.

Prosecution of murder typically involves criminal investigations, forensics, and formal legal proceedings. Convictions may result in long-term imprisonment or, in jurisdictions that retain capital punishment, the death penalty. In some cases, defendants may be found not guilty by reason of insanity or face other legal defenses. The label “murderer” is a terminology used in legal outcomes and reporting, and the designation can vary with jurisdiction, evidence, and charge.