22-16-4Homicide as murder in the first degree.

Homicide is murder in the first degree :

(1)    If perpetrated without authority of law and with a premeditated design to effect the death of the person killed or of any other human being, including an unborn child; or

(2)    If committed by a person engaged in the perpetration of, or attempt to perpetrate, any arson, rape, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or explosive.

Homicide is also murder in the first degree if committed by a person who perpetrated, or who attempted to perpetrate, any arson, rape, robbery, burglary, kidnapping or unlawful throwing, placing or discharging of a destructive device or explosive and who subsequently effects the death of any victim of such crime to prevent detection or prosecution of the crime.

Source: SDC 1939, § 13.2007 (1); SL 1979, ch 160, § 2; SL 1980, ch 173, § 9; SL 1992, ch 161; SL 2005, ch 120, § 154.