ID: with malice or without

From the Times-News, another murder in Twin:

Suspect faces second-degree murder charge in shooting - Twin Falls man’s bond set at $250,000

What police called voluntary manslaughter Sunday, prosecutors boosted to second-degree murder Monday.

The leap from the police’s account to the prosecutor’s charge hinges on whether the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Luis Carlos Ramirez early Sunday morning was the result of malice. The significance to James M. Steel, measurably engraved on his face at his arraignment Monday afternoon, could be a possible life sentence...

But what to make of this?

Defense Attorney Jeff Stoker (no relation to the judge), who represented the defendant in court Monday, suggested to his client’s family in the hallway a pick of other attorneys to hire for future hearings. When appealing for a lower bond, he also told the court the defendant’s family lacked many resources...