Murder has a legal definition too, and there has to be intent.
Homicide does not mean that one person intended to kill another, merely that the manner of death was one person killed another.
Wouldn't you say that if a couple has experienced DV, and they continue to experience it, that provides intent? Just kind of riffing off what you said.
We aren't to speak of mental health issues, but that's the only way that there was no "intent" in this case. IMO. BL was seen slapping Gabby and chasing her down the street in Moab. He also
seems in possession of rational faculties when LE stops him (except for his driving, which is partly blamed on Gabby, who is hitting and slapping him in the van - apparently).
If someone means to shove someone and they do shove them, then they have performed an intentional act. If the person dies from the fall, whether the death was intended or not, it's murder in many states - including Wyoming, I believe. In the death of Gabby Petito, if it occurred in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, BL would be facing murder charges in federal court. I just can't see how this wouldn't be treated as a murder. In some jurisdictions, the term "murder" isn't used at all (it's all "homicide"). Federal court does have a "voluntary manslaughter" charge (so neither murder nor homicide in the statutes. The federal penalties appear to allow longer sentencing than Wyoming statutes might.
The way I'm reading it, federal
minimum for voluntary manslaughter is 25 years, while Wyoming has a maximum of 20 years for the same crime...any input/corrections are very much welcomed.
My view of federal court is that it doesn't mess around. Assaults on federal land quickly become "attempted murder" in federal court. The law firm where I worked wouldn't handle such cases, as federal laws are definitely a specialty. It'll be interesting to see, if BL is found alive, I doubt his current attorney will be admitted to federal court. He'd be better served by someone who is familiar with the federal courts in Wyoming.
Since there's evidence of repeated fighting by this couple, it's possible BL would be able to plead out to voluntary manslaughter. (I can't find a federal charge for involuntary manslaughter, but I'm no expert in federal law, that's for sure).