Which statement about NY Murder 1 prerequisites is NOT true?

• A. Intent to kill.
• B. 18 or older.
• C. Aggravating factor.
• D. The offender must be at least 21 years old.

Answer: (D)

In New York, murder in the first degree is charged when the killing is intentional and tied to an aggravating circumstance, or when a death occurs during the commission of a qualifying felony (felony murder). That framework makes age and intent meaningful: you must be an adult (18 or older) to face such charges, and there must be a purposeful intent to kill for the intentional pathway, with an aggravating factor that elevates it to first degree.

The statement about needing the offender to be at least 21 years old is not true. Being 18 or older is the relevant threshold for adult status in these serious homicide cases, and there are pathways to first-degree murder that do not depend on the offender being 21.