A construction supervisor was overseeing work at a construction site in an urban area. Despite repeated warnings from workers about the fragile conditions of a platform being used for heavy machinery, the supervisor continued to order its use to avoid delays. The platform eventually collapsed, causing equipment to fall and strike several pedestrians on a nearby sidewalk, killing one of them. What is the most appropriate charge that could arise from this situation?
Involuntary manslaughter due to criminal negligence
The appropriate charge is involuntary manslaughter based on criminal negligence. Criminal negligence requires a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe, and the supervisor's disregard for repeated warnings about the fragile platform qualifies. This is more serious than ordinary negligence but does not reach recklessness, as there is no evidence the supervisor consciously disregarded a known and substantial risk to human life.
Reckless homicide would not be the correct charge because recklessness requires the person to consciously ignore a significant risk of harm, which is not clearly established here. Felony murder is also not applicable because there is no underlying felony that inherently carries a risk of death. Civil liability might exist but does not constitute a criminal charge in this case.
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