Desperate David has undertaken a dangerous desert trek rather than marry either of his current girlfriends. So each girlfriend (unaware of the others actions) sabotaged his reserve water supply.

Debra added a quick-acting poison while Dana punctured the barrel, allowing all of the poisoned water to run away.

One week later David died from dehydration.

However:

When arrested Debra claimed she was innocent because even though she poisoned the water David did not drink any.

Dana claimed she was not guilty because puncturing the barrel had stopped David from dying sooner from the poison. Her action made him live longer.

They cannot be charged jointly since they acted independently

Who, if anyone, should be charged with what crime?

ER.. anyone heard ofATTEMPTED MURDER? It is a charge - and as for the other woman, well, ATTEMPTED MURDER again - if she was aware of the poison then maybe things would be different but it states in the problem that both women are unaware of the others' actions.

Posted by Cleo on 2007-08-05 12:00:52