When most people hear “first-degree murder,” they know it’s serious—but what exactly does it mean, especially in Minnesota?
Hi, I’m Ryan Pacyga, criminal defense attorney, and I recently represented a client facing not one, but two counts of first-degree murder. It was the most serious case I’ve ever tried, and I’m grateful to share that the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on both charges.
Let me walk you through what first-degree murder means in Minnesota, and how the jury reached that decision.
What Is First-Degree Murder?
In Minnesota, first-degree murder means the act was premeditated. It’s considered the most serious criminal charge in the state, and across the U.S., and often results in a sentence of life in prison without parole.
But what does “premeditated” really mean? According to Minnesota jury instructions:
“Premeditation means the defendant considered, planned, prepared for, or determined to commit the act before committing it. It may be inferred from the circumstances surrounding the event and doesn’t require a specific amount of time—but some amount of time must pass between forming the intent and acting on it.”
So while planning can happen in minutes, an impulsive act, even with intent, doesn’t necessarily meet the legal definition of premeditated murder.
The Case: A Funeral, a Fight, and a Firearm
My client attended a family gathering following a funeral, a repass. Tensions were high. This was a family with deep divisions, and an argument broke out inside the building. My client wasn’t involved in the argument. He left to retrieve his car so his elderly mother wouldn’t have to walk across a slippery, ice-covered Minnesota parking lot in the winter.
As he left the building, surveillance footage showed him shifting a gun from his right jacket pocket to his left. Prosecutors would later use this small act as the foundation for their premeditation theory.
When he pulled up, another man helped his mother into the passenger seat. Meanwhile, a chaotic fight erupted around the corner, out of his view. Another individual pulled a gun.
That’s when everything changed.
My client jumped out of his vehicle and ran toward the disturbance. Within seconds, he shot the armed man twice. Tragically, that man died. In the ensuing chaos, several others were shot, and another person was killed.
Originally charged with second-degree intentional murder, my client refused to accept a plea deal that would have essentially meant dying in prison. So the state raised the stakes – they secured an indictment for two counts of first-degree murder: one for premeditated murder and one for premeditated drive-by murder (Minnesota law allows this charge if the defendant has just exited a vehicle).
The State’s Argument vs. the Truth
The prosecution argued that moving the gun inside his coat was proof of preparation, and that stopping the vehicle, exiting, and shooting showed deliberate thought. They painted a picture of a man who planned his actions.
But we told the real story.
My client didn’t go looking for a fight. He was trying to get his mom safely home. When he saw someone else pull a gun and threaten his family members, he reacted to protect them. He didn’t shoot out of malice or revenge. He acted out of defense. Defense of others is a valid legal defense, and in this case, it was the truth.
The Verdict: Not Guilty of First-Degree Murder
The jury saw through the prosecution’s theory. They recognized this wasn’t a calculated act of violence. It was a reaction to a deadly threat.
They found my client not guilty of both counts of first-degree murder.
Why This Matters
Prosecutors often look for evidence of premeditation to escalate charges. They might search a person’s phone, browser history, or purchases – anything that can hint at a plan. But not every act that ends in tragedy is premeditated murder.
The distinction between a reaction and a plan can mean the difference between life in prison and freedom.
That’s why it’s critical to understand your rights and to have an experienced defense attorney who knows how to tell your story clearly and truthfully.
