{"id":377109,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-homicide-by-abuse-law.html"},"modified":"2025-07-24T10:27:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T15:27:07","slug":"washington-homicide-by-abuse-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-homicide-by-abuse-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Homicide by Abuse Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Washington Homicide by Abuse Law<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Understanding Washington\u2019s homicide by abuse laws is crucial for anyone seeking information about criminal charges in the state. Homicide by abuse is a serious felony defined under RCW 9A.32.055, and involves the death of a person who is considered a vulnerable victim, like a child, dependent adult, or developmentally disabled person, through patterns of assault or torture. If you or someone you know is facing charges under the state of Washington homicide by abuse laws, it is essential to learn about the elements of the offense, potential defenses, sentencing guidelines, and how Washington law treats homicide by abuse compared to other forms of homicide, such as first-degree murder or manslaughter.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

In this article, we explain the key aspects of the death of another person by abuse in Washington, including legal definitions, examples, and what to expect if you are accused of this crime.<\/p>\r\n

Defining Homicide by Abuse in Washington<\/h2>\r\n

The Washington code for homicide by abuse has a very narrow focus. To be charged with homicide by abuse in Washington, a person must show an extreme indifference to human life and have engaged in a practice or pattern of assault or torture<\/a>. Awareness of the depravity of their offense is required. The offender needs to be aware that what they’re doing is wrong<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The victim must be one of the following:<\/p>\r\n