California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Flynn, B243277 (Cal. App. 2013):
There is also substantial evidence to support the prosecution's theory that appellant committed murder by means of torture. "'Torture murder is "murder committed with a wilful, deliberate and premeditated intent to inflict extreme and prolonged pain."' [Citation.] The culpable intent is one to cause pain for '"the purpose of revenge, extortion, persuasion or for any other sadistic purpose."' [Citations.] [] The intent to inflict extreme and prolonged pain may be inferred from the circumstances of the crime. [Citation.]" (People v. Raley (1992) 2 Cal.4th 870, 888.)
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