Jack Stein wrote:

I don't get why this subthread is so controversial. ISTM:

1) Kennedy clearly had no intent to kill the woman.

Ergo, an accident!

2) Kennedy DID have the intent to drink heavily.

Perhaps, drinking is a legal activity.

3) His impairment therefore was volitional (legally speaking) and he
is thus culpable for the consequences of his action.

Legally speaking, unless you can prove he was impaired, he wasn't.
Legally speaking, unless you can prove he killed someone on purpose,
he didn't. Legally speaking, money can be had anytime something goes
awry.

Homicide, per se, is not a crime. Homicide is defined as the killing of one
human by the agency of another. There is no such thing as "accidental
homicide."

Massachusetts has SEVEN kinds of homicide:

1st Degree Murder (life, no parole)
2nd Degree Murder (life, with parole)
Voluntary Manslaughter (20 years)
Involuntary Manslaughter (20 years)
Vehicular Manslaughter (20 years)

Justifiable homicide (not a crime)
Excusable homicide (not a crime)