People v. Durham
Supreme Court of California
449 P.2d 198 (1969)
Relevant factsFree
Durham (defendant) and Robinson committed a nationwide string of armed robberies and stole a car in California, and when police stopped them while driving the stolen vehicle, Robinson (whom Durham knew had a propensity for violence) shot and killed one of the officers while Durham did not participate in the attack; both were convicted of first-degree murder, with Durham sentenced to life imprisonment, and he appealed.
IssueFree
Whether the murder of a police officer is a natural and reasonable consequence of a car robbery and related string of robberies, making the aiding party fully liable.