dittybopper_05H t1_j9kdfog wrote
Reply to comment by palcatraz in Murder of Vermont woman solved after more than 50 years using DNA found on a cigarette and the victim's clothing | CNN by flowerhoney10
>The statute of limitations would've run out on that a long time ago.
There is no statute of limitations on murder.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/13/151/04501
§ 4501. Limitation of prosecutions for certain crimes
(a) Prosecutions for aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault, sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in subsection 3258(c) of this title, human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking, murder, manslaughter*, arson causing death, and kidnapping* may be commenced at any time after the commission of the offense.
I believe that's true for every state, and also for federal murder charges.
palcatraz t1_j9keqj2 wrote
Which is not relevant because DeRoos’ wife didn’t commit murder. She provided a false alibi/statement to the police which in most jurisdictions is only a gross misdemeanor.
dittybopper_05H t1_j9kqxo8 wrote
True. But in Vermont, it's a felony punishable by 7 years in prison:
Title 13: Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Chapter 1: General Provisions
§ 5. Accessory after the fact
A person not standing in the relation of husband, wife, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, or sister, by consanguinity or affinity, to an offender, who, after the commission of a felony, harbors, conceals, maintains, or assists such offender with intent that he or she shall avoid or escape arrest or punishment therefor, shall be imprisoned not more than seven years or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both.
​
However, she was his wife, so that doesn't apply either. If she wasn't otherwise related, the State would have 3 years to charge her before the statute of limitations ran out.
However, if they find out that she did anything to actually help him in any way prior or during the actual crime, they could charge her with the homicide:
§ 3. Accessory aiding commission of felony
A person who aids in the commission of a felony shall be punished as a principal.
Then there is no statute of limitations.
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