The pussified prosecutor doesn't want to have to deal with the death sentence.
This is Canada- there is no death penalty.
They haven't had much time to investigate, so they don't have evidence of premeditation. Charging him with 2nd degree murder is the appropriate charge in this situation. They can always re-file the charges later, once the investigation is finished.
I don’t think Canada has the death penalty anymore. Probably the reason for the charge is that you don’t have to show premeditation or other special circumstances for second degree murder, and since the investigation just started they don’t know if those circumstances existed.
If they find evidence that lets them prove first degree murder, they can upgrade the charge at that time. It’s not a big difference anyway; it just determines whether or not the killer can be eligible for parole before 15-25 years (yeah, there’s no “life without parole” in Canada either).
No, second degree murder just means there was no premeditated intent. It carries the same penalty as first degree murder in Canada.
I have no doubt Li is a paranoid schizophrenic. I believe he will be found unfit to stand trial, and will be committed to a mental institution until death.
They have the death penalty in the great white socialist north??