Carolina Criminal & DUI Lawyer Blog
In North Carolina, if someone is killed during the commission or attempted commission of certain felonies involving a deadly weapon, 
the offense may be charged as first-degree murder under what is commonly called the “felony murder rule.” Under this doctrine, a homicide arising from the perpetration or attempted perpetration of such a felony is treated as first-degree murder, even in the absence of premeditation or deliberation.
the offense may be charged as first-degree murder under what is commonly called the “felony murder rule.” Under this doctrine, a homicide arising from the perpetration or attempted perpetration of such a felony is treated as first-degree murder, even in the absence of premeditation or deliberation.
The recent appellate decision State v. Middleton (N.C. Ct. App. 2025) sheds light on how felony murder interacts with allegations of felony child abuse. While the underlying facts involved minors and grave injuries, the published opinion concentrates on the broader legal principles relevant to attorneys, law students, and others interested in North Carolina’s felony murder framework.
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