if you murder 5 or more people i think, i could be wrong as its been a while that I have checked up on how to become a murderer, (it might have changed) then ur name becomes red and you are a murderer, if u steal and become a criminal then your name turns grey but this does not last forever.. if you die while being a criminal and find a wandering healer or whatever then they will wait till your criminal status turns off and your name turns back to blue and you will be res'd... criminal status only lasts a few mins