Commonwealth v. Brown
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
81 N.E. 3d 1173, 477 Mass. 805 (2017)
- Written by Sara Adams, JD
Facts
Timothy Brown (defendant) provided a firearm and hooded sweatshirts to others who attempted an armed robbery and home invasion. The attempt led to the fatal shooting of two brothers who owned the home. Brown was not present at the home during the attempted robbery and invasion. Brown was charged as an accomplice to felony murder based on his provision of materials to the shooters. Brown was convicted in Massachusetts Superior Court of two counts of felony murder in the first degree. Brown appealed his conviction, arguing that the prosecution (plaintiff) had failed to adequately show that Brown knowingly participated in the crimes. Brown also argued that the felony-murder rule should be abolished in Massachusetts.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Gaziano, J.)
Concurrence (Gaziano, J.)
Concurrence (Gants, C.J.)
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