LogFAQs > #963474001

2 could be manslaughter because you didn't provide enough context (see the stuff in parentheses). The defining factor would be did he intend to beat him to death which could be determined by details of the confrontation itself. If he kept beating the guy when he was unconscious and caved his face in, that makes clear intend for murder. If he threw a few punches and stopped when the guy went down and called 911 upon realizing the situation was life-threatening, that is more likely to get a voluntary manslaughter charge. The difference between 1 and 2 is in how you worded them. Intentional shot to the head confirms intent to kill. "Beat to death" requires more details. 1 and 2 confirn no premeditation. 1 confirms intent. 2 is ambiguous on intent. 3 is ambiguous on intent and implies no premeditation but does not confirm it (in the case of premeditation, it typically if confirmed also confirms intent also).