Martin had been suspended from school after some marijuana residue was found on him. He was staying with his aunt in Sanford in that gated community at his father's request.
In 2005, Zimmerman was arrested and charged with "resisting officer with violence" and "battery of law enforcement officer." Both these felonies are considered third-degree. The charges were reduced to "resisting officer without violence" and then the only remaining charge was also completely waived off when he entered an alcohol education program.
In the same year (2005), Zimmerman's ex-fiance, Veronica Zuazo, filed a civil motion for a restraining order, alleging domestic violence. In retaliation, Zimmerman filed for a retraining order against Zuazo and both these claims were resolved with both restraining orders granted.
So, you see neither was perfect. And yet, Trayvon Martin is dead and George Zimmerman has a ruined life. Both tragic events were avoidable.
|