This is when someone is killed in a way that is considered premeditated (planned) or with “extreme atrocity or cruelty,” according to the General Laws of Massachusetts. Many states also follow the “felony murder rule.” This is when any person dies while certain felonies, such as arson, burglary, kidnapping, rape or robbery, have happened. If a couple sets a house on fire intentionally, but one dies in the fire, the other can be charged with first-degree murder for the first person’s death.