Murder in the first degree due to domestic abuse requires:

Murder in the first degree due to domestic abuse specifically requires a previous pattern of domestic violence against the victim. This element is crucial because it establishes a context where the perpetrator has a history of abusive behavior, which can escalate to more severe violence, including murder. This pattern can be pivotal in proving the motive behind the act and the mindset of the perpetrator, demonstrating a clear ongoing cycle of abuse that may lead to a lethal outcome.

Understanding this requirement helps to highlight the seriousness of domestic violence and its repercussions. The law recognizes that a continued history of abuse can create an environment where lethal actions may occur, thus necessitating the consideration of such patterns in legal proceedings related to murder charges arising from domestic circumstances.

The other options provided do not align with the legal criteria for charging someone with first-degree murder in the context of domestic abuse. For example, a past history of theft, involvement of a weapon, or the presence of witnesses could be relevant factors in different scenarios but do not directly establish the essential link between the relationship history and the act of murder in domestic violence cases.