If he's already out after 3 years, though, the case was almost definitely a very small account of accidental manslaughter. Even then, though, he wouldn't be out. The topic is flawed because OP doesn't know about the mainstream judicial systems of the world. I'm referencing the UK, the US, etc.
But, I'll bite. If he could personally justify first degree murder, and allow me to do my own research, depending on who he killed/why he killed the individual, it would either determine the complete destruction of our friendship, or simply make it eerie.