Malice aforethought refers to the mental state a person has when killing another human being. The prosecutor must prove this element in order to convict a North Charleston resident on murder charges. Malice aforethought can encompass several different mentalities, including: specific intent to kill; a reckless indifference to human life; intent to commit a felony; intent to inflict grievous bodily harm; a plan designed to end the life of another person.