From
ABC News: Is Chase Suspect Responsible for Copter Crash Deaths?:
"I think he will be held responsible," Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris told reporters.
Arizona's first-degree murder statute is sufficiently broad to allow for charges to be brought if another person causes the death of any person "in the course of and in furtherance of the offense or immediate flight from the offense."
But several prominent lawyers, including the former county prosecutor, disagree with Harris' assessment.
"From what we know today, it would be very hard to bring felony murder charges," says former Maricopa County Attorney Richard Romley. "I've talked to a number of judges about this case, and they all agree."
Romley compared the scenario to a driver listening to the car chase on the radio who loses control and crashes his car. "Can you bring charges for murder because the guy was inattentive? I don't see it, unless they were near the scene and had to take evasive action to avoid the chase."