A Columbus police officer in December shot and killed a 16-year-old boy during a robbery sting.
The boy’s 16-year-old girlfriend Masonique Saunders, who was with him at the time, was later charged with the murder and aggravated robbery.
She didn’t shoot him, but because police believe she was his accomplice, she was found complicit and therefore qualified for what is known as “felony murder” in Ohio.
Felony murder is controversial. A growing number of states have abolished or restricted its reach.
Today on All Sides, we catch up on the case of Masonique Saunders and consider the issue of felony murder.
Guests:
- John Futty, Courts Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch
- Brenner Fissell, Associate Professor of Law,Hofstra University
- Kate Chatfield, Criminal justice reform advocate