A nanny has been charged with the murder of two small children who were under the nanny’s care. The children, siblings, age six and one respectively were found fatally stabbed in a bathtub in their family’s apartment. The arrest came nine days after the children were discovered dead.

The nanny was arrested and charged with first-and second-degree murder according to police. The nanny was found in the apartment with stab wounds believed to have been self-inflicted. She was interviewed at the hospital where she had been recovering from her wounds. After being interviewed, the nanny was charged with the murders.

In California, murder is codified under California Penal Code Section 187. The penal code defines murder as causing the death of another person, or fetus, with malice aforethought. The term “malice aforethought” refers to the murderer’s mental state or intent that must be formed before the act can constitute murder.

What are the punishments for murder in California?

A conviction for first-degree murder is punishable by death, imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole, or imprisonment for a term of 25 years to life.

A conviction for second degree murder is normally punishable by imprisonment for a term of 15 years to life. The circumstances surrounding the murder will determine whether it will be charged as a first-degree or second-degree murder

If you or a loved one has been charged with murder, it is imperative that you hire an aggressive and experienced criminal defense firm. Hiring an experienced criminal defense law firm can greatly increase your chances of keeping your freedom, and ensuring you receive the best legal representation possible. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been helping people for over 30 years accused of serious crimes. Please feel free to contact Wallin & Klarich to discuss your case. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-280-6839 or go to our website at wklaw.com for more information. We will be there when you call.