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I believe the question is, was Brian a "proximate cause." Perhaps Mike Pornlaw can give a brief summary of Corey v. Havener in the multiple combined causes test for proximate cause.



Proximate cause is a concept more applicable to civil (negligence) cases. In criminal law, the focus will be on whether or not Brian's behavior strictly falls within the elements of the crime as set forth in the codes and interpreted by case law.

A good example of how proximate cause is not required in the criminal justice system is the felony murder rule. Think of a getaway car driver who is remains outside during a bank robbery gone bad. The robbers shoot the guard on the inside. He will be tried for murder even though he had no direct part in it and murder wasn't part of the plan.
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