The felony murder rule dates back to English common law and is the basis for a great many criminal trials in several states, including North Carolina and California. Simply put, the law states that if death, not necessarily homicide, occurs in conjunction with a felony, then the accused can be charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to either life in prison without parole or the death penalty. There are currently no other options for sentencing under this law and the prosecution does not have to prove motive or intent, nor does evidence of prior history factor in.

This documentary will focus on the case of Janet Danahey and the Campus Walk Apartments fire, as well as the cases of Brandon Hein and others convicted under this rule. The documentary will also cover the progress of the North Carolina Citizens for Felony Murder Rule Change (NCCFMRC), a grassroots organization which seeks to revoke the rule or add additional options for sentencing.

You can view NCCFMRC's website at http://ncfelonymurder.org/