скорее всего это - старое доброе murder in the first degree ...

Many jurisdictions divide murder by degrees. The most common divisions are between first and second degree murder. Generally, second degree murder is common law murder, and first degree is an aggravated form. The aggravating factors of first degree murder are a specific intent to kill, premeditation, and deliberation. In addition, murder committed by acts such as strangulation, poisoning, or lying in wait are also treated as first degree murder...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder

Criminal Law
The most serious homicide charges are murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree and aggravated murder. Each charge is considered a class A-1 felony, and those convicted face life in prison. Aggravated manslaughter and manslaughter in the first degree are both class B felonies. Manslaughter in the second degree and vehicular manslaughter in the first degree and aggravated criminally negligent homicide are class C felonies. Vehicular manslaughter in the second degree and abortion in the first degree are class D felonies. Criminally negligent homicide and abortion in the second degree are class E felonies and require at least one year in prison.
http://www.beckfordandassociates.com/criminallaw.html