Manslaughter is a form of homicide - conduct which causes the death of a person - committed when a defendant recklessly causes death (second-degree) or, with an intent to cause serious physical injury, causes death (first-degree) - See more at: http://statelaws.findlaw.com/new-york-law/new-york-involuntary-manslaughter-laws.html#sthash.9YxTr9ZL.dpuf