The Illinois Homicide statutes (720 ILCS 5/9 et seq.) are summarized below:

Homicide Statute Key Feature
First Degree Murder 720 ILCS 5/9-1(a) intentional or knowing killing
Felony Murder 720 ILCS 5/9-1(a)(3) death during commission of a felony offense
Second Degree Murder 720 ILCS 5/9-2 mitigated first degree murder (unreasonable self dense or intense passion)
Involuntary Manslaughter 720 ILCS 5/9-3(a) reckless conduct leading to a death
Reckless Homicide 720 ILCS 5/9-3(a) death with reckless conduct involving motor vehicle
Drug Induced Homicide 720 ILCS 5/9-3.3 death caused by delivery of a controlled substance

First Degree Murder

Felony Murder

Second Degree Murder

Second degree murder is a lesser mitigated offense of first degree murder. In other words, a person commits first degree murder but then receives a lesser sentence if the murder was done under an unreasonable claim of self defense or a sudden and intense passion. See Second Degree Murder – 720 ILCS 5/9-2.

Involuntary Manslaughter