If you intentionally kill another person in California without a legal excuse for doing so, you are guilty of committing either murder or voluntary manslaughter.  There is an important difference between the two crimes that makes murder the more serious charge. That difference is what California law calls “malice aforethought.” Malice aforethought means the intent to kill or the wanton disregard for human life.  Someone who kills another person with malice aforethought has committed murder under California Penal Code 187 PC. In a case where there was no malice aforethought, charges of voluntary manslaughter under California Penal Code 192 PC are more appropriate.