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New Jersey twins accused of murder in hit-and-run accident

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Pedestrian accidents can be scary for all involved. Depending on the situation, it is possible that at least part of the fault lies with the pedestrian, who may have been jaywalking or in another way disobeying traffic laws. In some cases the result of such an incident is a civil lawsuit. However, the gravity of the situation is ratcheted up when the driver involved in the accident is criminally charged with illegally fleeing the scene and committing the crime of murder.

A brother and sister in New Jersey are accused of killing another individual in a hit-and-run accident. The siblings are twins. According to police, the 25-year-old brother was driving a four-door sedan around half-past four in the morning when he allegedly struck a 30-year-old man two times and then drove away. The man was taken to an area medical center, but passed away after three hours, reportedly due to traumatic injury. Police have recovered the vehicle and handgun allegedly involved in the crash.

The brother has been charged with illegally possessing a firearm, murder, hindering prosecution and evidence tampering. His sister also faces criminal charges, including evidence tampering and hindering prosecution.

Hit-and-run accidents can be serious, especially if an individual dies in the crash. In general, charges of homicide usually require some sort of intent. Depending on the type and degree of murder or manslaughter, this could include purposeful, knowing or reckless behavior.

Just like any other crime, the prosecution bears the burden of proving the defendant committed the murder beyond a reasonable doubt. This means satisfying each element of the crime. This is a very tough burden to meet. Nevertheless, individuals facing murder or other criminal accusations should develop a strong criminal defense plan to refute the charges against them.

Source: nj.com, "Twin brother, sister arrested in fatal Paulsboro hit-and-run," Rebecca Forand, May 21, 2014

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