Quick v. United Benefit Life Insurance

COPELAND, Justice.

The first question for decision is whether defendant Quick is a “slayer” as defined by G.S. 31A-3(3). If so, G.S. 31A-11 disqualifies her as a beneficiary under the policy.

G.S. 31A-3(3) provides:

“ ‘Slayer’ means

“a. Any person who by a court of competent jurisdiction shall have been convicted as a principal or accessory before the fact of the wilful and unlawful killing of another person; . . .” (Emphasis supplied.)

The question, therefore, is whether the crime of involuntary manslaughter is a “wilful and unlawful killing” within the meaning of the above cited provision. A…