What is the difference between murder and capital murder in Texas?
HOUSTON – In the state of Texas, murder charges can differ, depending on the killing.
In this Anatomy of a Trial video, KPRC 2 Investigates tells you why you can get up to 99 years for murder. But, when it comes to capital murder, it’s life or death.
Court can be confusing. Do you have a term or need a better understanding of the process? Tell us below in a comment, and we’ll look at working on that next.
SIMILAR LINKS
Copyright 2023 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Jason Nguyen headshot
As an Emmy award-winning journalist, Jason strives to serve the community by telling in-depth stories and taking on challenges many pass over. When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his girlfriend Rosie, and dog named Dug.
Andrea Slaydon headshot
Award-winning TV producer and content creator. My goal as a journalist is to help people. Faith and family motivate me. Running keeps me sane.
Top stories in the Houston area today ▶ 1:32
Top stories in the Houston area today
Man Found Shot to Death Inside Taco Truck in North Houston | Police Search for 2 Masked Suspects ▶ 0:39
Man Found Shot to Death Inside Taco Truck in North Houston | Police Search for 2 Masked Suspects
Drivers brace for months-long I-10 lane closures near downtown Houston ▶ 0:39
Drivers brace for months-long I-10 lane closures near downtown Houston
Inside the hours before a Texas A&M student’s fatal fall from an Austin high-rise apartment ▶ 1:14
Inside the hours before a Texas A&M student’s fatal fall from an Austin high-rise apartment
Inside the hours before a Texas A&M student’s fatal fall from an Austin high-rise apartment ▶ 1:08
Inside the hours before a Texas A&M student’s fatal fall from an Austin high-rise apartment
Ex-NASCAR driver revs up neurodivergent driving training in Houston ▶ 1:31
Ex-NASCAR driver revs up neurodivergent driving training in Houston
Misty, dreary and totally tiny totals today ▶ 1:03
Misty, dreary and totally tiny totals today
'I hear BOOM!': Witness recounts police chase that ends in crash, shooting in Houston ▶ 0:31
'I hear BOOM!': Witness recounts police chase that ends in crash, shooting in Houston
Suspect exchanges gunfire with Houston police during traffic stop ▶ 0:30
Suspect exchanges gunfire with Houston police during traffic stop
December 4th's Super 'Cold' Moon ▶ 1:11
December 4th's Super 'Cold' Moon
Fire rips through Meyerland apartment complex, displacing about 50 residents ▶ 1:13
Fire rips through Meyerland apartment complex, displacing about 50 residents
Houston Headlines: Houston attorney representing parents of A&M student ▶ 1:44
Houston Headlines: Houston attorney representing parents of A&M student
The science behind hail ▶ 0:42
The science behind hail
Recent water bill spikes leave Houston area residents frustrated, confused ▶ 0:57
Recent water bill spikes leave Houston area residents frustrated, confused
Wanted teacher at Aldine ISD taught for 2 years before arrest on child sex assault charges ▶ 1:08
Wanted teacher at Aldine ISD taught for 2 years before arrest on child sex assault charges
Rats run Houston City Hall... at night. Dozens of rodents seen running around after sunset ▶ 1:00
Rats run Houston City Hall... at night. Dozens of rodents seen running around after sunset
Texas A&M student’s death leaves mother seeking answers ▶ 1:45
Texas A&M student’s death leaves mother seeking answers
Mayor Whitmire’s contracted crews start heavy trash clean up in Houston neighborhood ▶ 0:41
Mayor Whitmire’s contracted crews start heavy trash clean up in Houston neighborhood
Rising energy costs hit Houston’s older neighborhoods the hardest ▶ 0:43
Rising energy costs hit Houston’s older neighborhoods the hardest
Wet Weather Tonight Through Friday | Sunny, Gorgeous Weekend Still Ahead for Houston ▶ 1:06
Wet Weather Tonight Through Friday | Sunny, Gorgeous Weekend Still Ahead for Houston
Child mauled after neighbor’s dog barges through front door in northeast Harris County ▶ 1:27
Child mauled after neighbor’s dog barges through front door in northeast Harris County
Top headlines for Wednesday, Dec. 3 ▶ 1:38
Top headlines for Wednesday, Dec. 3
City leaders report rise in accidental child gun deaths ▶ 1:26
City leaders report rise in accidental child gun deaths
Mother of Texas A&M student found dead in Austin questions police account ▶ 0:44
Mother of Texas A&M student found dead in Austin questions police account
Gas prices plunging just like the temperature ▶ 2:01
Gas prices plunging just like the temperature
Previous photo Next photo