Causing death through criminally negligent behavior.

• A. Negligent homicide
• B. Involuntary manslaughter
• C. Murder
• D. Stranger homicide

Answer: (A)

Causing death through criminally negligent behavior describes a homicide charged when the killer’s conduct shows a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would observe, creating a substantial risk of death, and that conduct results in death. The mental state is criminal negligence—a failure to perceive and act on a dangerous risk that a reasonable person would recognize. This combination—duty to act with reasonable care, a breach through criminal negligence, and causation of death—fits negligent homicide precisely.

Murder requires intent to kill or malice aforethought, which isn’t present when the death results from criminal negligence. Involuntary manslaughter covers killings without intent as well, but many jurisdictions distinguish it from negligent homicide by focusing on the degree of recklessness or the exact statutory phrasing; the description given aligns with negligent homicide as the best fit. Stranger homicide isn’t a standalone offense; it simply describes the relationship to the victim and doesn’t define the crime.