Originally Posted by jaymar88

It's probably a second degree murder charge because the prosecutor expects that any reasonable person would not allow a child to walk unattended and underdressed for several miles in freezing temperatures. Also, a resonable person will agree that it is forseeable and highly likely that the possibility of a child surviving in that situation is low to non-existant.

The father's actions were a death sentance to his daughter. The only reason it it not a first -degree murder charge is that it would be impossible to substantiate a pre-meditated intent to cause the child harm or death.