White nationalist charged with first-degree murder in Virginia car killing: media

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

DECEMBER 14, 2017 / 5:57 PM / UPDATED 34 MINUTES AGO

Reuters Staff



(Reuters) - A white nationalist accused of killing a 32-year old woman when he plowed his car into a crowd of counter protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August, was charged with first-degree murder on Thursday, local media reported.

James Fields Jr., 20, appeared at Charlottesville District Court for a preliminary hearing, during which a previous charge of second degree murder was changed to first degree murder, local TV station WSET and others reported from the court.

Fields would face up to life in prison if convicted of first degree murder, while second degree murder carries a penalty of five to 40 years in prison, according to the Virginia penal code.

. . .

The incident took place amid clashes between hundreds of white supremacists and counter-protesters. After hours of clashes, a sedan driving at high speed plowed into the crowd before reversing along the same street.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-virginia-protests/white-nationalist-charged-with-first-degree-murder-in-virginia-car-killing-media-idUSKBN1E83DT?rpc=401&

[7962]

1. Going for 1st degree may be a mistake. We'll see.

There are several mitigating circumstances involved in these charges.
They should go for the most likely conviction first.