Comment by btilly

Many crimes violate the law in multiple ways. Arson can be charged as both a felony murder and a second degree murder.

It is easier to prove the felony murder. Was it on the list of felonies? To prove the second degree murder, you have to demonstrate "extreme recklessness". Prosecutors will often pile up multiple charges like this. To give the jury as many options as possible to convict.

I'm not a lawyer. But in this case the fact that he called emergency services could be evidence against extreme recklessness, and therefore second degree murder. But felony murder still fits.