ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

Which of the following scenarios can lead to a charge of capital murder?

1. Murder during a vehicular incident

2. Murder during an attempted kidnapping

3. Murder as a result of a drug deal

4. Murder due to self-defense

The correct answer is: Murder during an attempted kidnapping

A charge of capital murder typically involves circumstances that elevate the severity of the crime due to specific factors or actions taken by the perpetrator. In the scenario involving murder during an attempted kidnapping, the act of attempting to kidnap someone adds significant legal weight to the murder charge. Kidnapping is considered a serious crime, and when it results in murder, it can be categorized as capital murder because the act of kidnapping reflects premeditation and intent to commit a serious crime against another person. In contrast, the other scenarios lack this combination of factors that can lead to a capital murder charge. A vehicular incident, while tragic, may not involve the same level of malicious intent or premeditation unless additional aggravating circumstances are present. Similarly, a murder occurring during a drug deal may not inherently involve the same degree of heinous intent as kidnapping. Lastly, murder committed in self-defense typically does not constitute capital murder, as it is often justified by the legal concept of protecting oneself from imminent harm.