Can a beneficiary collect life insurance benefits if they are accused of murder?

An accusation (for example, an indictment) will most certainly give a life insurer cause to investigate the death of an insured. However, the insurer is unlikely to fully deny the possibility of paying the accused until the resolution of formal charges. If the beneficiary is adjudicated guilty of the murder, it is likely that the insurer will refuse payment. The public policy reason behind this is that beneficiary should not be allowed to benefit from his/her own criminal act.