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Shots Into the House

People v. Jernatowski (1924)

Charge: Murder in the first degree (act imminently dangerous, showing a depraved mind)Court: New York Court of AppealsState: New YorkDocket: House Deck

The facts

During a railroad strike, a man and some companions passed a house late at night. The husband who lived there was a foreman of strikebreakers. Someone said there were men in the yard. The man said something about strikebreakers and ran toward the house with his brother. A woman inside stood near a window and called out for them to get away. The two brothers fired several shots into the house. One of the man's shots killed her. He says he never meant to kill anyone. The law here covers dangerous acts showing a depraved mind.

You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.

Citation: People v. Jernatowski, 238 N.Y. 188, 144 N.E. 497 (1924)

Read more at courtlistener.com. The source reveals the outcome.

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