{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-31.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-31.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-31.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-31.html"}],"law_id":79946,"edition_id":1,"section_id":79946,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-31","catch_line":"Aggravated murder defined; punishment","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 18.1-21, 53-291; 1960, c. 358; 1962, c. 42; 1966, c. 300; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 403; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 503; 1977, c. 478; 1979, c. 582; 1980, c. 221; 1981, c. 607; 1982, c. 636; 1983, c. 175; 1985, c. 428; 1988, c. 550; 1989, c. 527; 1990, c. 746; 1991, c. 232; 1995, c. 340; 1996, cc. 876, 959; 1997, cc. 235, 313, 514, 709; 1998, c. 887; 2002, cc. 588, 623; 2007, cc. 844, 845, 846; 2010, cc. 399, 428, 475; 2019, cc. 717, 835; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 344, 345.","full_text":"A\n\nThe following offenses shall constitute aggravated murder, punishable as a Class 1 felony:1\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of abduction, as defined in § 18.2-48, when such abduction was committed with the intent to extort money or a pecuniary benefit or with the intent to defile the victim of such abduction;2\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another for hire;3\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by a prisoner confined in a state or local correctional facility as defined in § 53.1-1, or while in the custody of an employee thereof;4\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of robbery or attempted robbery;5\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of, or subsequent to, rape or attempted rape, forcible sodomy, or attempted forcible sodomy or object sexual penetration;6\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a law-enforcement officer as defined in § 9.1-101, a fire marshal appointed pursuant to § 27-30 or a deputy or an assistant fire marshal appointed pursuant to § 27-36, when such fire marshal or deputy or assistant fire marshal has police powers as set forth in §§ 27-34.2 and 27-34.2:1, an auxiliary police officer appointed or provided for pursuant to §§ 15.2-1731 and 15.2-1733, an auxiliary deputy sheriff appointed pursuant to § 15.2-1603, or any law-enforcement officer of another state or the United States having the power to arrest for a felony under the laws of such state or the United States, when such killing is for the purpose of interfering with the performance of his official duties;7\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of more than one person as a part of the same act or transaction;8\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of more than one person within a three-year period;9\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of or attempted commission of a violation of § 18.2-248, involving a Schedule I or II controlled substance, when such killing is for the purpose of furthering the commission or attempted commission of such violation;10\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another pursuant to the direction or order of one who is engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise as defined in subsection I of § 18.2-248;11\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a pregnant woman by one who knows that the woman is pregnant and has the intent to cause the involuntary termination of the woman’s pregnancy without a live birth;12\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a person under the age of 14 by a person age 21 or older;13\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another in the commission of or attempted commission of an act of terrorism as defined in § 18.2-46.4;14\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge of the Court of Appeals, a judge of a circuit court or district court, a retired judge sitting by designation or under temporary recall, or a substitute judge appointed under § 16.1-69.9:1 when the killing is for the purpose of interfering with his official duties as a judge; and15\n\nThe willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any witness in a criminal case after a subpoena has been issued for such witness by the court, the clerk, or an attorney, when the killing is for the purpose of interfering with the person’s duties in such case.B\n\nFor a violation of subdivision A 6 where the offender was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense, the punishment shall be no less than a mandatory minimum term of confinement for life.C\n\nIf any one or more subsections, sentences, or parts of this section shall be judged unconstitutional or invalid, such adjudication shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remaining provisions thereof but shall be confined in its operation to the specific provisions so held unconstitutional or invalid.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":286321,"text":"The following offenses shall constitute aggravated murder, punishable as a Class 1 felony:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":286322,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of abduction, as defined in § 18.2-48, when such abduction was committed with the intent to extort money or a pecuniary benefit or with the intent to defile the victim of such abduction;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":286323,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another for hire;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":286324,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by a prisoner confined in a state or local correctional facility as defined in § 53.1-1, or while in the custody of an employee thereof;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":286325,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of robbery or attempted robbery;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":286326,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of, or subsequent to, rape or attempted rape, forcible sodomy, or attempted forcible sodomy or object sexual penetration;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":286327,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a law-enforcement officer as defined in § 9.1-101, a fire marshal appointed pursuant to § 27-30 or a deputy or an assistant fire marshal appointed pursuant to § 27-36, when such fire marshal or deputy or assistant fire marshal has police powers as set forth in §§ 27-34.2 and 27-34.2:1, an auxiliary police officer appointed or provided for pursuant to §§ 15.2-1731 and 15.2-1733, an auxiliary deputy sheriff appointed pursuant to § 15.2-1603, or any law-enforcement officer of another state or the United States having the power to arrest for a felony under the laws of such state or the United States, when such killing is for the purpose of interfering with the performance of his official duties;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":286328,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of more than one person as a part of the same act or transaction;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A8"},"8":{"id":286329,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of more than one person within a three-year period;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"A8","prefix_anchor":"A8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"A9"},"9":{"id":286330,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of or attempted commission of a violation of § 18.2-248, involving a Schedule I or II controlled substance, when such killing is for the purpose of furthering the commission or attempted commission of such violation;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"A9","prefix_anchor":"A9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A8","next_prefix":"A10"},"10":{"id":286331,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another pursuant to the direction or order of one who is engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise as defined in subsection I of § 18.2-248;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"A10","prefix_anchor":"A10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A9","next_prefix":"A11"},"11":{"id":286332,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a pregnant woman by one who knows that the woman is pregnant and has the intent to cause the involuntary termination of the woman’s pregnancy without a live birth;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"A11","prefix_anchor":"A11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A10","next_prefix":"A12"},"12":{"id":286333,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a person under the age of 14 by a person age 21 or older;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"A12","prefix_anchor":"A12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A11","next_prefix":"A13"},"13":{"id":286334,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another in the commission of or attempted commission of an act of terrorism as defined in § 18.2-46.4;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"A13","prefix_anchor":"A13","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A12","next_prefix":"A14"},"14":{"id":286335,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge of the Court of Appeals, a judge of a circuit court or district court, a retired judge sitting by designation or under temporary recall, or a substitute judge appointed under § 16.1-69.9:1 when the killing is for the purpose of interfering with his official duties as a judge; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","14"],"prefix":"14","entire_prefix":"A14","prefix_anchor":"A14","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A13","next_prefix":"A15"},"15":{"id":286336,"text":"The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any witness in a criminal case after a subpoena has been issued for such witness by the court, the clerk, or an attorney, when the killing is for the purpose of interfering with the person’s duties in such case.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","15"],"prefix":"15","entire_prefix":"A15","prefix_anchor":"A15","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A14","next_prefix":"B"},"16":{"id":286337,"text":"For a violation of subdivision A 6 where the offender was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense, the punishment shall be no less than a mandatory minimum term of confinement for life.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A15","next_prefix":"C"},"17":{"id":286338,"text":"If any one or more subsections, sentences, or parts of this section shall be judged unconstitutional or invalid, such adjudication shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remaining provisions thereof but shall be confined in its operation to the specific provisions so held unconstitutional or invalid.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15120,"edition_id":1,"name":"Homicide","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13100,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:52:17","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:52:17","permalink":{"id":164765,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15120,"identifier":"1","token":"18.2\/4\/1","url":"\/18.2\/4\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13100,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Against the Person","identifier":"4","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:17","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:17","permalink":{"id":164763,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13100,"identifier":"4","token":"18.2\/4","url":"\/18.2\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":77418,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-30","catch_line":"Murder and manslaughter declared felonies","url":"\/18.2-30\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-30","metadata":false},{"id":79946,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-31","catch_line":"Aggravated murder defined; punishment","url":"\/18.2-31\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-31","metadata":false},{"id":57602,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-32","catch_line":"First and second degree murder defined; punishment","url":"\/18.2-32\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-32","metadata":false},{"id":62187,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-32.1","catch_line":"Murder of a pregnant woman; penalty","url":"\/18.2-32.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-32.1","metadata":false},{"id":79116,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-32.2","catch_line":"Killing a fetus; penalty","url":"\/18.2-32.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-32.2","metadata":false},{"id":69091,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-32.3","catch_line":"Human infant; independent and separate existence","url":"\/18.2-32.3\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-32.3","metadata":false},{"id":80906,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-33","catch_line":"Felony homicide defined; punishment","url":"\/18.2-33\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-33","metadata":false},{"id":70125,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-34","catch_line":"Reserved","url":"\/18.2-34\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-34","metadata":false},{"id":70478,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-35","catch_line":"How voluntary manslaughter punished","url":"\/18.2-35\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-35","metadata":false},{"id":78426,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-36","catch_line":"How involuntary manslaughter punished","url":"\/18.2-36\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-36","metadata":false},{"id":67930,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-36.1","catch_line":"Certain conduct punishable as involuntary manslaughter","url":"\/18.2-36.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-36.1","metadata":false},{"id":71288,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-36.2","catch_line":"Involuntary manslaughter; operating a watercraft while under the influence; penalties","url":"\/18.2-36.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-36.2","metadata":false},{"id":66815,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-36.3","catch_line":"Involuntary manslaughter; certain drug offenses","url":"\/18.2-36.3\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-36.3","metadata":false},{"id":86725,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-37","catch_line":"How and where homicide prosecuted and punished if death occur without the Commonwealth","url":"\/18.2-37\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-37","metadata":false},{"id":60034,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-37.1","catch_line":"Certain matters not to constitute defenses","url":"\/18.2-37.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-37.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":77418,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-30","catch_line":"Murder and manslaughter declared felonies","url":"\/18.2-30\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-30","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":57602,"structure_id":15120,"section_number":"18.2-32","catch_line":"First and second degree murder defined; punishment","url":"\/18.2-32\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-32","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-31\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 26 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1960, chapter 358; in 1962, chapter 42; in 1966, chapter 300; in 1970, chapter 648; in 1973, chapter 403; in 1975, chapters 14 and 15; in 1976, chapter 503; in 1977, chapter 478; in 1979, chapter 582; in 1980, chapter 221; in 1981, chapter 607; in 1982, chapter 636; in 1983, chapter 175; in 1985, chapter 428; in 1988, chapter 550; in 1989, chapter 527; in 1990, chapter 746; in 1991, chapter 232; in 1995, chapter 340<\/a>; in 1996, chapters 876<\/a> and 959<\/a>; in 1997, chapters 235<\/a>, 313<\/a>, 514<\/a>, and 709<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 887<\/a>; in 2002, chapters 588<\/a> and 623<\/a>; in 2007, chapters 844<\/a>, 845<\/a>, and 846<\/a>; in 2010, chapters 399<\/a>, 428<\/a>, and 475<\/a>; in 2019, chapters 717<\/a> and 835<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":66829,"section_number":"16.1-269.1","catch_line":"Trial in circuit court; preliminary hearing; direct indictment; remand","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-269.1\/"},{"id":80246,"section_number":"17.1-805","catch_line":"Adoption of initial discretionary sentencing guideline midpoints","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-805\/"},{"id":64418,"section_number":"18.2-18","catch_line":"How principals in second degree and accessories before the fact punished","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-18\/"},{"id":56786,"section_number":"18.2-308.2","catch_line":"Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, explosives or concealed weapons by convicted felons; penalties; petition for restoration order; when issued","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.2\/"},{"id":57602,"section_number":"18.2-32","catch_line":"First and second degree murder defined; punishment","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-32\/"},{"id":80906,"section_number":"18.2-33","catch_line":"Felony homicide defined; punishment","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-33\/"},{"id":77889,"section_number":"18.2-50.3","catch_line":"Enticing, etc., another into a dwelling house with intent to commit certain felonies; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-50.3\/"},{"id":68291,"section_number":"18.2-513","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-513\/"},{"id":59943,"section_number":"19.2-175","catch_line":"Compensation of experts","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-175\/"},{"id":70100,"section_number":"19.2-247","catch_line":"Venue in certain homicide cases","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-247\/"},{"id":64807,"section_number":"19.2-268.3","catch_line":"Admissibility of statements by children in certain cases","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-268.3\/"},{"id":73653,"section_number":"19.2-303.6","catch_line":"Deferred disposition in a criminal case; persons with autism or intellectual disabilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-303.6\/"},{"id":84666,"section_number":"19.2-310.2:1","catch_line":"Saliva or tissue sample required for DNA analysis after arrest for a violent felony","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-310.2_1\/"},{"id":61280,"section_number":"19.2-392.02","catch_line":"National criminal background checks by businesses and organizations regarding employees or volunteers providing care to children or the elderly or disabled","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-392.02\/"},{"id":57792,"section_number":"19.2-71","catch_line":"Who may issue process of arrest","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-71\/"},{"id":55224,"section_number":"37.2-900","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/37.2-900\/"},{"id":71084,"section_number":"53.1-204","catch_line":"If prisoner commits any other felony, how punished","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-204\/"},{"id":80819,"section_number":"9.1-902","catch_line":"Offenses requiring registration","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-902\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":58488,"section_number":"15.2-1603","catch_line":"Appointment of deputies; their powers; how removed","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1603\/"},{"id":79396,"section_number":"15.2-1731","catch_line":"Establishment, etc., authorized; powers, authority and immunities generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1731\/"},{"id":69908,"section_number":"15.2-1733","catch_line":"Appointment of auxiliary police officers; revocation of appointment; uniform; organization; rules and regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1733\/"},{"id":81797,"section_number":"16.1-69.9:1","catch_line":"Appointment, terms, etc., of substitute judges","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-69.9_1\/"},{"id":68693,"section_number":"18.2-248","catch_line":"Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance prohibited; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-248\/"},{"id":65851,"section_number":"18.2-46.4","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-46.4\/"},{"id":59389,"section_number":"18.2-48","catch_line":"Abduction with intent to extort money or for immoral purpose","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-48\/"},{"id":69739,"section_number":"27-30","catch_line":"Appointment of fire marshal","order_by":null,"url":"\/27-30\/"},{"id":73497,"section_number":"27-34.2","catch_line":"Power to arrest, to procure and serve warrants and to issue summons; limitation on authority","order_by":null,"url":"\/27-34.2\/"},{"id":66294,"section_number":"27-34.2:1","catch_line":"Police powers of fire marshals","order_by":null,"url":"\/27-34.2_1\/"},{"id":83809,"section_number":"27-36","catch_line":"Appointment, powers and duties of assistant fire marshals","order_by":null,"url":"\/27-36\/"},{"id":85635,"section_number":"53.1-1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-1\/"},{"id":73488,"section_number":"9.1-101","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-101\/"}],"permalink":{"id":164771,"object_type":"law","relational_id":79946,"identifier":"18.2-31","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-31","url":"\/18.2-31\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-31\/","token":"18.2\/4\/1\/18.2-31","dublin_core":{"Title":"Aggravated murder defined; punishment","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-31","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The following offenses<\/span> shall constitute aggravated murder<\/span>, punishable as a Class 1 felony<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of abduction, as defined in § 18.2-48<\/a>, when such abduction was committed with the intent<\/span> to extort money or a pecuniary benefit or with the intent<\/span> to defile the victim of such abduction; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another for hire; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by a prisoner confined in a state or local correctional facility as defined in § 53.1-1<\/a>, or while in the custody<\/span> of an employee thereof; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of robbery<\/span> or attempted robbery<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of, or subsequent to, rape<\/span> or attempted rape<\/span>, forcible sodomy, or attempted forcible sodomy or object<\/span> sexual penetration; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a law<\/span>-enforcement officer as defined in § 9.1-101<\/a>, a fire marshal appointed pursuant to § 27-30<\/a> or a deputy or an assistant fire marshal appointed pursuant to § 27-36<\/a>, when such fire marshal or deputy or assistant fire marshal has police powers as set forth in §§ 27-34.2<\/a> and 27-34.2:1<\/a>, an auxiliary police officer appointed or provided for pursuant to §§ 15.2-1731<\/a> and 15.2-1733<\/a>, an auxiliary deputy sheriff appointed pursuant to § 15.2-1603<\/a>, or any law<\/span>-enforcement officer of another state or the United States having the power to arrest<\/span> for a felony<\/span> under the laws<\/span> of such state or the United States, when such killing is for the purpose of interfering with the performance of his official duties; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of more than one person as a part of the same act or transaction; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of more than one person within a three-year period; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the commission of or attempted commission of a violation of § 18.2-248<\/a>, involving a Schedule I or II controlled substance, when such killing is for the purpose of furthering the commission or attempted commission of such violation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another pursuant to the direction or order<\/span> of one who is engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise as defined in subsection I of § 18.2-248<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a pregnant woman by one who knows that the woman is pregnant and has the intent<\/span> to cause the involuntary termination of the woman’s pregnancy without a live birth; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a person under the age of 14 by a person age 21 or older; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

13.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another in the commission of or attempted commission of an act of terrorism as defined in § 18.2-46.4<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

14.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a justice of the Supreme Court<\/span>, a judge<\/span> of the Court<\/span> of Appeals<\/span>, a judge<\/span> of a circuit<\/span> court<\/span> or district court<\/span>, a retired judge<\/span> sitting by designation or under temporary recall, or a substitute judge<\/span> appointed under § 16.1-69.9:1<\/a> when the killing is for the purpose of interfering with his official duties as a judge<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

15.<\/span> The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any witness<\/span> in a criminal case after a subpoena<\/span> has been issued for such witness<\/span> by the court<\/span>, the clerk, or an attorney, when the killing is for the purpose of interfering with the person’s duties in such case. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> For a violation of subdivision A 6 where the offender was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense<\/span>, the punishment shall be no less than a mandatory minimum term of confinement for life. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If any one or more subsections, sentences, or parts of this section shall be judged unconstitutional or invalid, such adjudication shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remaining provisions thereof but shall be confined in its operation to the specific provisions so held unconstitutional or invalid. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAGGRAVATED MURDER DEFINED; PUNISHMENT (\u00a7 18.2-31)\n\nA. The following offenses shall constitute aggravated murder, punishable as a\nClass 1 felony:\n\n 1. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the\n commission of abduction, as defined in § 18.2-48, when such abduction was\n committed with the intent to extort money or a pecuniary benefit or with the\n intent to defile the victim of such abduction;\n\n 2. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another\n for hire;\n\n 3. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by a\n prisoner confined in a state or local correctional facility as defined in\n § 53.1-1, or while in the custody of an employee thereof;\n\n 4. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the\n commission of robbery or attempted robbery;\n\n 5. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the\n commission of, or subsequent to, rape or attempted rape, forcible sodomy, or\n attempted forcible sodomy or object sexual penetration;\n\n 6. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a law-enforcement\n officer as defined in § 9.1-101, a fire marshal appointed pursuant to\n § 27-30 or a deputy or an assistant fire marshal appointed pursuant to\n § 27-36, when such fire marshal or deputy or assistant fire marshal has\n police powers as set forth in §§ 27-34.2 and 27-34.2:1, an auxiliary\n police officer appointed or provided for pursuant to §§ 15.2-1731\n and 15.2-1733, an auxiliary deputy sheriff appointed pursuant to §\n 15.2-1603, or any law-enforcement officer of another state or the United\n States having the power to arrest for a felony under the laws of such state or\n the United States, when such killing is for the purpose of interfering with\n the performance of his official duties;\n\n 7. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of more than one person\n as a part of the same act or transaction;\n\n 8. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of more than one person\n within a three-year period;\n\n 9. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person in the\n commission of or attempted commission of a violation of § 18.2-248,\n involving a Schedule I or II controlled substance, when such killing is for\n the purpose of furthering the commission or attempted commission of such\n violation;\n\n 10. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another\n pursuant to the direction or order of one who is engaged in a continuing\n criminal enterprise as defined in subsection I of § 18.2-248;\n\n 11. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a pregnant woman by\n one who knows that the woman is pregnant and has the intent to cause the\n involuntary termination of the woman’s pregnancy without a live birth;\n\n 12. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a person under the\n age of 14 by a person age 21 or older;\n\n 13. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any person by another\n in the commission of or attempted commission of an act of terrorism as defined\n in § 18.2-46.4;\n\n 14. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of a justice of the\n Supreme Court, a judge of the Court of Appeals, a judge of a circuit court or\n district court, a retired judge sitting by designation or under temporary\n recall, or a substitute judge appointed under § 16.1-69.9:1 when the\n killing is for the purpose of interfering with his official duties as a judge;\n and\n\n 15. The willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of any witness in a\n criminal case after a subpoena has been issued for such witness by the court,\n the clerk, or an attorney, when the killing is for the purpose of interfering\n with the person’s duties in such case.\n\nB. For a violation of subdivision A 6 where the offender was 18 years of age or\nolder at the time of the offense, the punishment shall be no less than a\nmandatory minimum term of confinement for life.\n\nC. If any one or more subsections, sentences, or parts of this section shall be\njudged unconstitutional or invalid, such adjudication shall not affect, impair,\nor invalidate the remaining provisions thereof but shall be confined in its\noperation to the specific provisions so held unconstitutional or invalid.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 18.1-21, 53-291; 1960, c. 358; 1962, c. 42; 1966, c.\n300; 1970, c. 648; 1973, c. 403; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 503; 1977, c. 478;\n1979, c. 582; 1980, c. 221; 1981, c. 607; 1982, c. 636; 1983, c. 175; 1985, c.\n428; 1988, c. 550; 1989, c. 527; 1990, c. 746; 1991, c. 232; 1995, c. 340; 1996,\ncc. 876, 959; 1997, cc. 235, 313, 514, 709; 1998, c. 887; 2002, cc. 588, 623;\n2007, cc. 844, 845, 846; 2010, cc. 399, 428, 475; 2019, cc. 717, 835; 2021, Sp.\nSess. I, cc. 344, 345.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}