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Hell Hath No Fury ... (Posted on 2007-04-12) Difficulty: 3 of 5
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?

      Submitted by Vernon Lewis    
    Rating: 3.6667 (3 votes)
    Solution: (Hide)
    My opinion:
    Debra has admitted to Attempted Murder. Since the death occurred as a direct result of a crime - she should be charged with murder or manslaughter. (International laws vary.)
    Dana tried to cause David's death by dehydration/exposure. David died from dehydration/exposure. Dana should be charged with murder. Whether David would have died from poison (or any other means) is not relevant.

    Comments: ( You must be logged in to post comments.)
      Subject Author Date
    Puzzle Thoughts K Sengupta2023-07-13 12:59:21
    what crime?Saggin2008-02-05 04:47:09
    water girlfriend desert poison puncture scenarioCleo2007-08-05 12:00:52
    re: LassiterVernon Lewis2007-04-15 07:54:53
    Lassiterbrianjn2007-04-15 05:29:17
    Solution2 Angry WomenPenny2007-04-13 19:59:09
    Some ThoughtsNo oasis, only the mirage....Dej Mar2007-04-12 13:00:35
    SolutionNo paradoxOld Original Oskar!2007-04-12 12:16:32
    Some ThoughtsOne Juror's opinionSteve Herman2007-04-12 10:36:41
    Where is Guilt?brianjn2007-04-12 10:00:19
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