The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Thomas Moran, Appellant

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed Moran's murder conviction because the trial judge improperly limited the jury to a felony‑murder theory and excluded lesser homicide degrees. The court held that when the facts allow multiple interpretations, all applicable homicide grades must be submitted, and that the underlying felony must be independent of the homicide. A new trial was ordered.