People v. Superior Court (Decker): Contract Killing, Down Payment, and Criminal Attempt

Facts

In 2003, Ronald Decker contacted Russell Wafer to recruit an assassin. Wafer introduced Decker to his friend John, whom Decker believed to be interested in a contract murder. However, John was an alias for an undercover police detective, Wayne Holston. Decker told Holston that he wished his sister to be killed, but could not do it himself because he would likely be the prime suspect.

Decker offered Holston $25,000 and provided details about his sibling. Moreover, Decker said that Holston should also murder his sister’s friend, who will likely be a witness. Holston received a $5,000 down payment, confirming Decker’s confidence in having his sibling killed. Decker was then arrested and charged with solicitation to commit murder and attempted murder, but argued that the evidence was insufficient for the latter accusation.

Issue

Under the law of attempt, can a solicitation to commit murder establish potential cause to believe that an individual attempted to kill someone if the solicitation involves an agreement of hired assassination and a down payment?

Rule

The Court ruled that one can be held accountable for attempted murder if they exhibited the explicit intent to kill and committed a direct act toward accomplishing the assassination. The Court agreed that whenever a person clearly demonstrates readiness to commit a crime, subsequent furthering slight deeds are enough to establish an attempt. Such a resolution was determined upon considering the requirements of attempted murder and solicitation, the overt act rule, and the role of concerted action.

Analysis-Arguments

The Court argued that Decker demonstrated an unambiguous intention of killing his sister when making the down payment and that there was nothing more for him to do since he had aimed a hitman at her. The defendant disputed the case by referring to Adami, but the Court determined flaws in Adami’s referencing. The Court applied the above-mentioned elements by stating that Decker was ready to assassinate his sister, having made several preparations, taken the necessary steps, and demonstrated a serious purpose with the down payment.

Conclusion-Holdings

The Court held that Decker could be charged with attempted murder since he showed both the intent to have his sister killed and took action toward doing so. I think the case was rightly decided because the presented details demonstrate the defendant’s complete goal to assassinate his sibling. He sought out and hired a hitman, provided information about his sister alongside a down payment, and even considered what should be done with a possible witness.