Chances are you’ve heard of first-degree and second-degree murder, but you may not have heard of third-degree murder. Third-degree murder is also known as manslaughter and is a violent crime in California. Although third-degree murder falls under CA Penal Code 187 like first- and second-degree murders, there are some differences you should know about. 

While many types of crimes use violence, there are a specific set of crimes that are known as violent crimes or violent felonies. These crimes result in either someone getting physically hurt — such as murder or rape — or you’ve threatened someone with possible harm — such as robbery or arson. 

The State of California considers murder a violent crime. There are different levels of murder and first-degree murder is the highest level of murder with the harshest penalties. 

A young woman and her boyfriend are attending a crowded street fair in Los Angeles County in the evening. As they stroll hand-in-hand, they suddenly hear a gunshot followed by a few more. People begin to scream and run to take cover. The young woman suddenly realizes she's in pain in her stomach -- looking down, she notices there's blood on the front of her dress.