Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What crime can be charged against the street vendor who sold heroin to Nancy, who subsequently overdoses and dies?

1. Drug possession

2. Drug distribution

3. Drug induced homicide

4. Accessory to murder

The correct answer is: Drug induced homicide

Charging the street vendor with drug-induced homicide is appropriate in this scenario because the vendor's actions directly contributed to Nancy's death. Drug-induced homicide laws are designed to hold individuals accountable when their distribution of illegal drugs leads to the death of another person. In this case, the fact that heroin was sold and resulted in an overdose presents a clear causal link. This type of charge emphasizes the deadly consequences of the illegal sale and distribution of controlled substances, acknowledging the risk posed to users. Since Nancy died from an overdose of the heroin sold by the vendor, the law recognizes the vendor's role in the chain of events that led to her death. Other options, while related to drug offenses, do not capture the specific nature of the crime as accurately. For instance, drug possession would not apply as the vendor is not simply possessing drugs but actively selling them. Drug distribution is relevant but does not address the fatal outcome of the act. Accessory to murder implies a level of involvement or intent in a premeditated killing, which is not the case here as the vendor's crime is more about the distribution of drugs leading to a fatal overdose rather than intent to cause harm or death.