A: Murder is a criminal charge brought by the government. If a person is found guilty of murder, beyond a reasonable doubt, he or she faces serious punishment such as a prison sentence. Wrongful death is a civil charge brought by the estate or family of the victim. If a person or entity is found guilt of wrongful death, they must pay the family monetary damages. While murder is most often a deliberate act of harm, wrongful death could only involve negligence, unreasonable behavior, or recklessness. A person may be guilty of murder and liable for wrongful death. A person may be not guilty of murder but liable for wrongful death. To learn more about wrongful death civil suits in Texas, speak with a Houston wrongful death attorney today about your case.