Critical Thinking and Application Problems

Zack and Amber have been married for $15$ years. They have one child, Angel, who is ten years old. The health of their relationship has been typical, marked by occasional disagreements about money and family issues, but nothing so serious as to threaten their marriage.

Zack, a local police officer, returned home from work early one day because he was feeling ill. When he entered the home, he discovered his wife, a stayhome mother, in the kitchen with a man, Dallas, whom he recognized to be a police officer colleague. Amber was naked and Dallas was shirtless. After a moment of shock, Zack became enraged, pulled out his sidearm, and shot Amber. Dallas ran out the back door of the home. Zack gave chase but ended his pursuit in the backyard, returned to the home, called for an ambulance, and attempted to save Amber, who had a pulse. She died before the ambulance arrived.

Dallas ran to his car, which he had parked two blocks away in an attempt to keep his visit with Amber secret. He unlocked the car, started it$,$ and quickly drove away. Distraught over what had just happened, he was not mindful of his speed nor was he watching the road. Three miles from where he started, he struck and killed nine$-$year$-$old Megan, who was crossing the street in a school zone. Dallas had been traveling at $50$ miles per hour. The speed limit was $15$ miles per hour in the school zone.

Applying the MPC or your state's laws, has Zack committed murder with the death of Amber? Manslaughter? Some other crime? Explain your answers fully.

Applying the MPC or your state's laws, has Dallas committed murder with the death of Megan? Manslaughter? Some other crime? Explain your answers fully.