Oxendine v. State p. 196, Del (1987) Facts: Girlfriend causes wound which leads to the death of son. Father beats son and then son dies within a few hours. State v. father for manslaughter. Cause of death was 2 distinct injuries. First injury was underlying cause of death and the second injury was an aggravating or contributing factor. Actual causation or causation-in-fact is a necessary prerequisite to the imposition of criminal liability. Acceleration of death satisfies the requisite causation. Not guilty because state could not prove acceleration of death was due to fathers beating. Homicide is defined as taking a part of a person’s life. But for, if not for the D’s actions, the victim would have lived longer.
Rule:
Holding:
Policy: