What must be established for a conviction of "second-degree murder" in Missouri?

For a conviction of second-degree murder in Missouri, it must be established that the defendant acted with the intent to kill, but without the need for premeditation. This means that the individual must have had a conscious objective to cause the death of another person, demonstrating a deliberate intention to kill. In contrast, other choices do not align with the legal definition of second-degree murder.

Accidental death without malice would not satisfy the requirements for any form of murder, as there is no intent to kill involved. Similarly, having an intention to harm but not kill is inconsistent with the charge of murder, as murder requires intent specifically to cause death or substantial bodily harm. Lastly, mere presence at the crime scene does not establish culpability; involvement in the act of killing, coupled with the requisite intent, is necessary for a murder conviction. Thus, option A accurately reflects the legal requirement for second-degree murder in Missouri.