Zimmerman Opinions

[DougB]

Judge Nelson rules jury can charge manslaughter and will rule later on third degree felony murder after studying case law. If

convicted of murder three, Zimmerman will face life in prison under 10-20-life rule.

I believe standard penalty for third degree murder is 10-15 years. I don't think Judge Nelson will consider this since the State is basing it on child abuse.

[USSGompers]

But the law has the term "stand your ground" in it.

I'm sorry but the law does not have "Stand YOUR Ground" in it. This is what it says:

(3) A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.

As you see, it says 'the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force', etc.

If you were watching the trial today, you would have seen how important it is to have every comma and every period in place.

I'm getting dizzy from all the SPIN!

[Bucco]

Why I do not watch this trial...

"To the extent that the trial has any larger meaning, it is a tale of the left’s desperation to indict contemporary America as a land of rank racism, different in degree, perhaps, but not in kind from 1950s Mississippi. That’s where Emmett Till, to whom Trayvon Martin has often been compared, was brutally murdered for whistling at a white woman."

"But that doesn’t make him a murderer. There was always a perverse wishfulness to the Zimmerman-haters: Look how rotten and backward this country is. Look at what white-Hispanics are capable of. Look at the corruption of our criminal-justice system. Look at this poor child murdered in cold blood.

MSNBC tried and convicted Zimmerman, executed him by firing squad, then propped the body up at the defense table so it could do it all over again. Host Lawrence O’Donnell said Zimmerman shot “a black teenager to death for having done absolutely nothing,” and opined that “I believe what we have here is evidence of a police cover-up.” At a rally, another of the network’s personalities, the Rev. Al Sharpton, compared the injustice done to Martin to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ — and that may have been one of his cooler-headed moments."

Read more: Opinion: Zimmerman, a morality play that failed - Rich Lowry - POLITICO.com (http://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/zimmerman-a-morality-play-that-failed-93994.html#ixzz2Yl2DwppT)

"George Zimmerman faces life in jail as a jury considers second-degree murder charges against him for killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. But thanks to the media he is already sentenced to life in the American public's mind as a racist.

NBC edited a tape of Zimmerman’s call to police as he was following Martin to make him appear to be focused on Martin’s race."

Read more: 'Crackers,' a 'teenage mammy' -- the sorry truth about race and Zimmerman trial | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/07/11/white-hispanics-crackers-teenage-mammies-no-winners-in-martin-zimmerman-case/#ixzz2Yl2cLeMk)

"The George Zimmerman investigation was hijacked "in a number of ways" by outside forces, said the former police chief of Sanford, Florida.

Bill Lee, who testified Monday in Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial, told CNN's George Howell in an exclusive interview that he felt pressure from city officials to arrest Zimmerman to placate the public rather than as a matter of justice.

"It was (relayed) to me that they just wanted an arrest. They didn't care if it got dismissed later," he said. "You don't do that."

Ex-Sanford police chief: Zimmerman probe 'taken away from us' - CNN.com (http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/10/justice/sanford-bill-lee-exclusive/index.html)

[twheel]

well that's your opinion. Mine is that this state has such lax hand carry laws.

Its called concealed carry laws . And because you don`t agree with them, Zimmerman is guilty .

[Monkei]

I think if we put ourselves in GZ position, we would have done the same thing in the end. His life was in danger and luckily he had a means to defend himself. If I were on the ground with someone beating on me I wouldn't wait to see how long I could take the beating. GZ could have passed put from the blow to the nose or from his head being slammed on the concrete. Then, Trayvon could have taken his gun and shot him. I am going to save myself and answer questions later. GZ had no choice but to shoot TM. I wish it would have never happened.....

I think most of us would not have put outselves in the situation in the first place.

[Monkei]

Its called concealed carry laws . And because you don`t agree with them, Zimmerman is guilty .

I agree with concealed weapons, I have had one since 2001, I just don't like lax laws which allow you to shoot another human being just because you are standing your ground. I don't know if GZ is guilty of a crime, but he is guilty of moral stupidity.

[gomoho]

I agree with concealed weapons, I have had one since 2001, I just don't like lax laws which allow you to shoot another human being just because you are standing your ground. I don't know if GZ is guilty of a crime, but he is guilty of moral stupidity.

And the reason Trayvon didn't run right home when a "creepy ass cracker" was supposedly following him???

[mickey100]

I agree with concealed weapons, I have had one since 2001, I just don't like lax laws which allow you to shoot another human being just because you are standing your ground. I don't know if GZ is guilty of a crime, but he is guilty of moral stupidity.

:BigApplause:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I agree with concealed weapons, I have had one since 2001, I just don't like lax laws which allow you to shoot another human being just because you are standing your ground. I don't know if GZ is guilty of a crime, but he is guilty of moral stupidity.

I think that the law says that you have no obligation to retreat and may stand your ground and use force including deadly force IF YOU REASONABLY BELIEVE IT IS NECESSARY TO AVOIND DEATH OR GREAT BODILY HARM.

It does not say that you can shoot another human being simply because you are standing you ground.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

And the reason Trayvon didn't run right home when a "creepy ass cracker" was supposedly following him???

That's the question I haven't heard asked very much. If Trayvon was so in fear of his life and safety, why would he not have simply run as fast as he could, (he was a football player and outstanding athlete, by the way) instead of following Zimmerman back to his car?

[AJ32162]

That's the question I haven't heard asked very much. If Trayvon was so in fear of his life and safety, why would he not have simply run as fast as he could, (he was a football player and outstanding athlete, by the way) instead of following Zimmerman back to his car?

Why? Because Trayvon was going to teach the "creepy ass cracker" a lesson by giving him a good beat down. Unfortunately for Trayvon it didn't turn out the way he planned.

[Taltarzac725]

That's the question I haven't heard asked very much. If Trayvon was so in fear of his life and safety, why would he not have simply run as fast as he could, (he was a football player and outstanding athlete, by the way) instead of following Zimmerman back to his car?

Kind of hard to outrun a bullet. I assume that Trayvon Martin knew that George Zimmerman had a pistol. I have not been following this case all that closely but it certainly seems like Zimmerman exceeded his authority as a Neighborhood Watch volunteer. Not even sure why he was allowed to carry a firearm. If he was even allowed by the authorities to carry such a weapon.

[redwitch]

And the reason Trayvon didn't run right home when a "creepy ass cracker" was supposedly following him???

Here's my theories (and they're based on what I think I would have done at 17):

1. I'm 17 and invincible. My adrenaline is going full tilt. You turn around after scaring me, I'm going to let you know what I think of you. Being a girl, I'm going to use words. Not sure what I'd do if I were a boy. (I didn't say this was a good idea but I can certainly see me doing it and, if I would do it, I can see Martin doing it.)

2. First, I want to make sure you're following me. I want to know why you're following me -- are you out to hurt me? do you want to know where I live to force your way into my home? do you know me or my family?

3. No way am I going to lead you to my house -- you might really be a bad guy and want to break into my home and harm my family.

4. I just smoked some dope and there is no way I want to look stoned to my dad. (Not that unusual for many of today's youth. Heck, it wasn't that unusual for my generation.)

5. I like walking in the rain in my hoodie (yes, I really do). Why should I have to quit my stroll for some jerk who thinks he can intimidate me?

[manaboutown]

well that's your opinion. Mine is that this state has such lax hand carry laws.

And that is a VERY good thing! If Zimmerman had not been armed Martin's sucker punch and ground and pound could have left him a vegetable, an invalid or beaten to death.

[ugotme]

Kind of hard to outrun a bullet. I assume that Trayvon Martin knew that George Zimmerman had a pistol. I have not been following this case all that closely but it certainly seems like Zimmerman exceeded his authority as a Neighborhood Watch volunteer. Not even sure why he was allowed to carry a firearm. If he was even allowed by the authorities to carry such a weapon.

Always respect your posts T and not taking sides but I don't believe that Trayvon had ANY idea that George was carrying a gun. Heck, I would "assume" that if he did he would have run like heck.

[manaboutown]

Always respect your posts T and not taking sides but I don't believe that Trayvon had ANY idea that George was carrying a gun. Heck, I would "assume" that if he did he would have run like heck.

Didn't Martin spot Zimmerman's gun only after he was on top of Zimmerman, pounding Zimmerman's head onto the concrete? Zimmerman made a move for it, revealing to Martin he had a gun after which Martin went for the gun but Zimmerman got to it first.

If Martin had stuck to beating up unarmed bus drivers this might never have happened. Too, if the Miami authorities had not cut him loose under political pressure not to arrest more blacks when his backpack was discovered to contain stolen women's jewelry and a burglary tool he may have been locked up in a juvenile detention facility or otherwise disciplined. Other than being suspended from school three times to my knowledge he had not paid the price for any of his past criminal behavior. Too much leniency is not a good thing. It serves to encourage more criminal behavior like sucker punching, grounding and pounding a concerned citizen.

[DougB]

And that is a VERY good thing! If Zimmerman had not been armed Martin's sucker punch and ground and pound could have left him a vegetable, an invalid or beaten to death.

How do you know he was sucker punched? Only one to say that was Zimmerman. Why not stay with the evidence?

[twheel]

I agree with concealed weapons, I have had one since 2001, I just don't like lax laws which allow you to shoot another human being just because you are standing your ground. I don't know if GZ is guilty of a crime, but he is guilty of moral stupidity.

Its self defence,not stand your ground. And self defence is NOT immoral.

[getdul981]

It appears that the prosecution doesn't feel that they have enough for a conviction. I just saw that the prosecutors have requested that the jury be allowed to convict GZ on a lesser charge of 3rd degree murder?? or manslaughter. The defense on the other hand wants to stick with the original charge and either guilty or innocent. The prosecution evidently feels that they don't quite have enough for a convition without a shadow of a doubt.

[Lark7]

Frankly, I do not know whether GZ is guilty or not. Having said that, it concerns me that lesser charges are allowed by the court - it would seem that an experienced prosecutor would know that the merits and evidence of the case caused him/her to file the correct charge. Otherwise, it would seem that the court influences the jury (gosh, I am glad that I am not a juror) by suggesting that if the prosecutor's charges doesn't resonate, then peruse the menu of other charges. Can you spell appeal?

[ugotme]

Haven't been following the trial but saw something in the newspaper relating to "child abuse" because Trayvon was under 18.

Seems the prosecution is grabbing at straws!

[buckscounty]

Not guilty.

[Taltarzac725]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Trayvon_Martin


http://www.cbsnews.com/george-zimmerman-trial-trayvon-martin-case/

I will be surprised if George Zimmerman is found guilty. The prosecution has not met their burden of proof on the various elements that they would need to get a guilty verdict. It might go the other way if George Zimmerman testified but he does have the right to take the Fifth Amendment. I always have some qualms about just how innocent someone is who does not take the stand especially when they have very high priced lawyers protecting their interests.

[gomoho]

The prosecution's closing argument is absolutely pathetic. Instead of making a case he can only try and refute the facts the evidence has supplied. He is once again making a case for the defense.

[jebartle]

that Trayvon was smaller....It's not the size of the dog in the fight but the FIGHT in the dog.....All he had to do was respond to Zimmerman that he was heading home and none of this would have happened...

[old moe]

The prosecution's closing argument is absolutely pathetic. Instead of making a case he can only try and refute the facts the evidence has supplied. He is once again making a case for the defense.

:BigApplause: We can only HOPE, :throwtomatoes::throwtomatoes:

[DougB]

.....All he had to do was respond to Zimmerman that he was heading home and none of this would have happened...

How do you know he didn't? Only one alive that knows what happened is Zimmerman.

[Patty55]

that Trayvon was smaller....It's not the size of the dog in the fight but the FIGHT in the dog.....All he had to do was respond to Zimmerman that he was heading home and none of this would have happened...

Trayvon was not smaller.

[Patty55]

How do you know he didn't? Only one alive that knows what happened is Zimmerman.

And Didi aka Diamond (in the rough).

[janmcn]

The prosecution's closing argument is absolutely pathetic. Instead of making a case he can only try and refute the facts the evidence has supplied. He is once again making a case for the defense.


You must have seen an entirely different closing argument than I watched. The prosecution just proved all the inconsistencies uttered by George Zimmerman. The common personality trait that these killers, such as Zimmerman and Scott Peterson have is they think they are smarter than everybody else. And how long has Peterson been sitting on death row?

In addition to Zimmerman's thinking he's smart is the history of racial relations in Sanford where nobody was ever convicted for killing a black person. He had lived there long enough to know this dark history.

[DougB]

And Didi aka Diamond (in the rough).

I'm not sure Rachel Didi Diamond Eugene Jeantel even knows what she did that night.

[old moe]

Yw?

In addition to Zimmerman's thinking he's smart is the history of racial relations in Sanford where nobody was ever convicted for killing a black person. He had lived there long enough to know this dark history.

:cry:I for one would like conformation of your post!! as stated above.:throwtomatoes:

[DougB]

You must have seen an entirely different closing argument than I watched. The prosecution just proved all the inconsistencies uttered by George Zimmerman. The common personality trait that these killers, such as Zimmerman and Scott Peterson have is they think they are smarter than everybody else. And how long has Peterson been sitting on death row?

In addition to Zimmerman's thinking he's smart is the history of racial relations in Sanford where nobody was ever convicted for killing a black person. He had lived there long enough to know this dark history.

I thought the prosecution gave a very effective closing with what they had to work with. I am sure the defense will do just as well tomorrow, But then the prosecution gets the last word.

[janmcn]

:cry:I for one would like conformation of your post!! as stated above.:throwtomatoes:

Just go to google and search for Sanford, FL's past history.

How many people lost their jobs because of their handling of this case? The state attorney Norman Wolfinger was removed from the case, barely a month after the shooting, because he decided not to press charges against George Zimmerman.

Sanford police chief Bill Lee was fired in July 2012 because he was in charge of the botched investigation. Some pundits think Lee should have charges filed against him.

Chris Cerino, the chief detective investigating the murder, is now a patrolman, even though he was the one who wanted to charge Zimmerman for the murder immediately.

After all these failures, Gov Scott stepped in and appointed Duval County Prosecutor Angela Corey who decided to file a charge of second degree murder.

[jebartle]

Since Defense can bring in animation that was not during trial, can they also bring in previous calls to TM about his "Fighting" during closing...I noticed that Prosecution mentioned during their closing that Zimmerman supposedly walked around 3 buildings to ambush TM, that was NEVER mentioned during the trial

[DougB]

Since Defense can bring in animation that was not during trial, can they also bring in previous calls to TM about his "Fighting"

I believe Judge Nelson said no to the phone records.

[USSGompers]

First of all, he was not a guest at his father's apartment. He was a guest at his father's girlfriend's apartment. It was not his brother, it was his father's gf's child. I would think that Mr. Martin's home would have with his wife of 14 years who he didn't divorce until December 2012. More spin?

The Alicia Stanley Story – The Only Real Mom Trayvon Martin Ever Knew | The Last Refuge (http://theconservativetreehouse.com/2013/06/29/the-alicia-stanley-story-the-only-real-mom-trayvon-martin-ever-knew/)

If you all would read this great link that Patty 55 posted, you will see that Tracy Martin's second wife Alicia (Trayvon's stepmom) raised the kid for years because his real Mom didn't want him. Then his Dad left him (again) with Alicia while he sniffed after other women.

Sad, but when I look at Trayvon's parents acting like they lost their child, well to me.... they lost him years ago because they really didn't want to be bothered with him, especially when he started getting in trouble.

He was on his own. Photos show when he was shipped back to his Real mom when he was 15, his Mother had already bonded with his older brother and Trayvon was always in the distance.

But who has their hands out, looking for a quick buck??? Those two!!! Sickening!!!

[CraigC]

After all these failures, Gov Scott stepped in and appointed Duval County Prosecutor Angela Corey who took the case to the grand jury and got a charge of second degree murder.

You really can't have followed this case very much if you are unaware that Angela Corey NEVER took the case to a grand jury! He was not and has not been indicted by a grand jury.

[Monkei]

that Trayvon was smaller....It's not the size of the dog in the fight but the FIGHT in the dog.....All he had to do was respond to Zimmerman that he was heading home and none of this would have happened...

You really don't want to play the "What If" game do you?

[janmcn]

You really can't have followed this case very much if you are unaware that Angela Corey NEVER took the case to a grand jury! He was not and has not been indicted by a grand jury.

You are correct. I stand corrected. Corey decided against using the grand jury and made the decision on her own, which she could do since it was not a capital murder case.


http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/angela-corey-no-grand-jury-trayvon-martin-case

[Monkei]

And that is a VERY good thing! If Zimmerman had not been armed Martin's sucker punch and ground and pound could have left him a vegetable, an invalid or beaten to death.

And GZ would never have gone where he did if he did not have a weapon. Let's face it, he is a weak, out of shape man (according to the defense). But he had the big 9mm equalizer.

[Monkei]

Its self defence,not stand your ground. And self defence is NOT immoral.

Like I said, the stand your ground law in the State of Florida should be stricken from the books. The defense claims self defense and luckily for him he killed the kid, so there is no one to contradict his story.

One statement of GZ tells me all I needed to know about him. When asked if he would do anything differently he answered no and smiled. That sums him up to me quite neatly.

[Monkei]

I'm sorry but the law does not have "Stand YOUR Ground" in it. This is what it says:

(3) A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.

As you see, it says 'the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force', etc.

If you were watching the trial today, you would have seen how important it is to have every comma and every period in place.

I'm getting dizzy from all the SPIN!

gee, I guess someone just came up with the "stand your ground" phrase out of the blue, they must not have gotten it from the STAND YOUR GROUND pprtion of the law.

[Monkei]

And the reason Trayvon didn't run right home when a "creepy ass cracker" was supposedly following him???

thats a good question, one I surely can't ... and neither can Martin ... because the guy who provoked him and following him SHOT him.

[twheel]

gee, I guess someone just came up with the "stand your ground" phrase out of the blue, they must not have gotten it from the STAND YOUR GROUND pprtion of the law.

What part of self defence,not stand your ground,are people not understanding ? I give up .

[kittygilchrist]

What part of self defence,not stand your ground,are people not understanding ? I give up .

me too.

[jebartle]

during defense closing



I believe Judge Nelson said no to the phone records.

[manaboutown]

You are correct. I stand corrected. Corey decided against using the grand jury and made the decision on her own, which she could do since it was not a capital murder case.


Angela Corey: No grand jury in Trayvon Martin case | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/angela-corey-no-grand-jury-trayvon-martin-case)

Probably never would have gotten past a grand jury and she knew that.

[gomoho]

You must have seen an entirely different closing argument than I watched. The prosecution just proved all the inconsistencies uttered by George Zimmerman. The common personality trait that these killers, such as Zimmerman and Scott Peterson have is they think they are smarter than everybody else. And how long has Peterson been sitting on death row?

In addition to Zimmerman's thinking he's smart is the history of racial relations in Sanford where nobody was ever convicted for killing a black person. He had lived there long enough to know this dark history.

The prosecution's closing statement is to provide answers not questions for the jury to consider. He kept saying well GZ said this, but what if this. He didn't prove his case - he simply gave the jury more questions to ponder.

I can't for the life of me understand how you jump from GZ to Scott Peterson. And why didn't anything else show up that portrayed GZ as a diabolical killer who thinks he is smarter than anyone else. Facts please.

[manaboutown]

In addition to Zimmerman's thinking he's smart is the history of racial relations in Sanford where nobody was ever convicted for killing a black person. He had lived there long enough to know this dark history.

I did several searches and could find no record on this either way. NO convictions for any homicide in Sanford having a black victim? Please provide a citation or link. Thank you in advance.

[manaboutown]

Here is a little background information on the crimes that had been committed in the gated community, the demographic of who was committing them and Zimmerman's past experience with what had happened when he had called the police and waited for them to show up. Ann Coulter - July 10, 2013 - THIS YEAR'S DUKE LACROSSE CASE (http://www.anncoulter.com/columns/2013-07-10.html#read_more)

[dillywho]

If GZ was truly acting in self defense, why all the outright lies? Not just inconsistencies, but lies.

1) TM jumped out of the bushes
2 )TM just appeared out of the darkness
3) TM walked toward him

Which was it? Why lie? People who have absolutely nothing to hide don't lie.

Why all the embellishments to his story? His story just kept evolving with each police interview. I listened to all that were out there. He even said in one that he actually "forgot" that he had his gun on him and only remembered when he felt TM trying to get it. Really? In another on, he said that he always had his gun except at his job.

He told the dispatcher that TM was running; told Hannity that he was not running, just skipping/walking fast to get somewhere. Yep, away from GZ. GZ went in pursuit.

The dispatcher advised GZ not to follow, but he did. The dispatcher testified that they cannot order anyone to do anything, but they can advise. It was not an order and he was under no obligation to stop. He said in his written statement that he was ordered not to follow so he stopped. Apparently he didn't understand that the dispatcher could not order him to do anything. By the same criteria, he had no obligation to find TM for the dispatcher just because he asked what TM was "doing now". GZ said that he had lost him, so why did he continue to look for him? That infamous address he said he was looking for when he continued to follow "in the same direction" he saw TM? He never called the NEN dispatcher back to tell him he had an address for them when he got to the end. He had plenty of time to call before he started back in the other direction.

How can anyone believe anything this man says? He didn't even level with his own defense team when they were trying to get him out on bond. He and his wife knew their jailhouse conversations were being recorded, so they talked in "code" to transfer and hide money. He turned over his ready-to-expire passport to his attorney, but had his wife conceal his new one. Not a real stand-up guy in my book. Not included in the trial, but still goes to credibility and character.

Many juries are charged with finding lesser included charges. Anthony was. As to when those are supposed to come in, I don't know. I don't even know if it matters when.

If he had just said that TM was trying to take his gun away from him when he had him down, that would probably have been the end of it. He just had to continue to make himself out a big hero. He lied when the truth would have served him much better all the way around.

As for having nothing better to do, when you have to be at home 24/7 for an extended period of time, you don't really have anything better to do than watch. Good lessons to be learned about how things really work in the courts. Having served on juries, I understand what the jurors are facing. They are not privy to all the coverage, blogs, pundits, interviews by parties involved, etc. They are limited to what is presented to them when they are in the courtroom. Period.

[manaboutown]

Go to google.com, type in Sanford, FL, history of racial violence and 220,000 links popped up. Take your pick. Here is just one example.


Sanford, Florida Has a History of Brutal Racist Oppression: KKK Once Drove Hall-Of-Famer Jackie Robinson Out of Town | All Things Crime (http://allthingscrimeblog.com/sanford-florida-has-a-history-of-brutal-racist-oppression-kkk-once-drove-hall-of-famer-jackie-robinson-out-of-town/)

The Jackie Robinson incident occurred in 1946 and has absolutely nothing to do with my question since it had nothing to do with a homicide. I still cannot find anything to verify your allegation that there have been no convictions for Sanford homicides where the victims were black. Where are the citations or links?

[manaboutown]

And GZ would never have gone where he did if he did not have a weapon. Let's face it, he is a weak, out of shape man (according to the defense). But he had the big 9mm equalizer.

And Martin surely noticed Zimmerman was weak and out of shape. Martin figured Zimmerman would be a pushover to sucker punch and ground and pound. Big mistake!

[Monkei]

If he truly was getting your brains pounded against the pavement, why would you think he'd say otherwise?

If I was truly getting my brains bashed in I would have definitely said that if I had to do it again I would not done the same thing.

[Monkei]

What part of self defence,not stand your ground,are people not understanding ? I give up .

Excellent

[davecz1]

The man is not guilty in anyway. As to if he is "innocent" that is another matter. They MUST let him free.

[manaboutown]

Not guilty!!!!!

I will sleep well tonight.

[Monkei]

Not guilty!!!!!

I will sleep well tonight.

Clap clap, yea. We won the football game. Go team Zimmerman. No one should be applauding this result guilty or not.

[BarryRX]

Walking while black is apparently still a crime in some places.

[kittygilchrist]

Just this once, justice happened.
how refreshing after OJ and Casey Anthony...
we got it right.

[manaboutown]

Just this once, justice happened.
how refreshing after OJ and Casey Anthony...
we got it right.

and the Tawana Brawley fiasco. Thanks a lot Sharpton. You have again cost the taxpayers a bundle.

[mac9]

Walking while black is apparently still a crime in some places.

How true, how sad. In my lifetime, I have never felt that I couldn't (or shouldn't) walk somewhere. Even when I lived in "big" cities like Manhattan or Philadelphia, I always went everywhere that I wanted without fear. But, then, I am not a black male.

[senior citizen]

Obviously, only George Zimmerman heard this statement, but usually one vividly recalls something that just happened.....as opposed to "later" when they can have time for embellishment.

Unfortunately for the 17 year old, who was not a child, the "climate" in the neighborhood was one of worrisome fear after other incidents.

By the way, that prosecutor was incorrect. He was not 16 years old and so many days.

When we "turn" a new age, we have just completed that many years.....such as birth to one year old.

So, he was not 16 and three days........nor was he eleven years old as was shown in some early photos.

He was 17 and just beginning his 18th year.
Eighteen year olds are adults now.
The prosecutor kept calling him a "child".

We have grandchildren that are still children and they have the mental capacity of super intelligent adults and they do know right from wrong......

To tell someone that they are going to die tonight, in my book, would be enough to put fear into the other person and provoke them to use "self defense".

It's a sad story.........but no way that George Zimmerman should spend life in prison; anyone can see he feared for his own life. It probably happened in a split second. Not premeditated, not on "the hunt".....see below...................

KEEP SCROLLING DOWN TO READ ABC NEWS: "You are going to die tonight"



July 2013 ABC NEWS



(SANFORD, Fla.) -- George Zimmerman, the Florida man accused of second degree murder for the death of Trayvon Martin, said the teen told him "you are going to die tonight" shortly before Zimmerman pulled the trigger.

Zimmerman made the statement in his first interview with police immediately after the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting. He is now on trial for second degree murder in Martin's death. He maintains he shot the teenager in self defense.

The recorded audio interview between Zimmerman and Sanford police investigator Doris Singleton occurred after the former neighborhood watch captain agreed to waive his Miranda rights and speak without an attorney present.

"He jumped out from the bushes and said what the f**k is your problem," Zimmerman said to Singleton. "I said I don't have a problem and then he punched me in the nose."

"As soon as he punched me I fell backwards. He was whaling on my head and I started yelling help," said Zimmerman. "He grabbed my head and started hitting me into the sidewalk. I slid into the grass to get out from under him. I was still yelling out for help."

Zimmerman, 29, said he was screaming for help and felt like he couldn't breathe as Martin allegedly attacked him.

Zimmerman said Martin, 17, told him, "You are going to die tonight" and kept banging his head into the sidewalk, and that he shot and killed the teen soon after.

Early in the audio interview Zimmerman talked about burglaries in the Retreat at Twin Lakes subdivision that led him to form a neighborhood watch team in his community. He said he had never seen Martin and that he appeared suspicious.

"It was raining out and he was leisurely walking looking at open houses," said Zimmerman. "I had called before and the police had come out but these guys know the neighborhood very well."

Zimmerman appeared stoic and jurors furiously took notes as the interview played in open court.

"I pulled my car to the side and I called the non-emergency line and I just reported that there was a suspicious person in the neighborhood," he told Singleton.

Singleton testified that when Zimmerman entered the Sanford police department for his interview that night he had crusted blood on his nose and was using tissues to stop bleeding. She said that he did not ask for further medical assistance and that if he had she would have moved to take him to the hospital.

Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda walked Singleton through a map of the Retreat at Twin Lakes subdivision. Court documents show that investigators believe Martin was running in the direction of the home where he was staying as a guest in the neighborhood.

Singleton pointed out where Zimmerman said he lost Martin behind bushes, but said she didn't see any indication of bushes on the map.

As the second week of testimony began Monday, the prosecution appeared to be moving away from neighbor witness testimony and are now focusing on forensics and the initial investigation in the early days of the case.

[tucson]

TM threatened to kill GZ while he was hitting his head against the cement, anyone would defend themselves. I believe if GZ didn't have his gun that night ,he would probably be dead or brain dead today. Also, the is the first time in my life that I've heard the word "child" used in a case like this. It is a known fact that kids under 14 and as young as 8, commit 1/3 of crimes , quote by Police Chief of Daytona Bch last yr in a interview from Orlando Sentinel. Threatening to kill someone in Fl. is a 2nd degree felony w/15yrs in jail & possibly a 10,000 fine in addtion to/or jail time. So, if GZ didn't shoot and kill TM, he would today be in jail for a long time.

[gomoho]

and the Tawana Brawley fiasco. Thanks a lot Sharpton. You have again cost the taxpayers a bundle.

And he's not done - wants the Department of Justice to look into this as a civil rights violation. What civil right is in question???

[kittygilchrist]

TM threatened to kill GZ while he was hitting his head against the cement, anyone would defend themselves. I believe if GZ didn't have his gun that night ,he would probably be dead or brain dead today. Also, the is the first time in my life that I've heard the word "child" used in a case like this. It is a known fact that kids under 14 and as young as 8, commit 1/3 of crimes , quote by Police Chief of Daytona Bch last yr in a interview from Orlando Sentinel. Threatening to kill someone in Fl. is a 2nd degree felony w/15yrs in jail & possibly a 10,000 fine in addtion to/or jail time. So, if GZ didn't shoot and kill TM, he would today be in jail for a long time.

I've known of two cases where people died from having their nose bones smashed into their brain. Heaven help me, what a mind full of crap. I need a vacation.

[senior citizen]

TM threatened to kill GZ while he was hitting his head against the cement, anyone would defend themselves. I believe if GZ didn't have his gun that night ,he would probably be dead or brain dead today. Also, the is the first time in my life that I've heard the word "child" used in a case like this. It is a known fact that kids under 14 and as young as 8, commit 1/3 of crimes , quote by Police Chief of Daytona Bch last yr in a interview from Orlando Sentinel. Threatening to kill someone in Fl. is a 2nd degree felony w/15yrs in jail & possibly a 10,000 fine in addtion to/or jail time. So, if GZ didn't shoot and kill TM, he would today be in jail for a long time.


Good post. I was thinking the same thing, but didn't say it.
I've read many cases of young children killing their fathers or their grandparents...........also young teen girls , along with their boyfriends, killing their mothers. Scary stuff, to say the least.

With everyone on psychotropic drugs nowadays, including kids in the school system.........many are not "thinking" or acting rationally.
Add to the mix, non medicinal drugs.....who knows what is in someone's mind......or how we might "tick them off".

There was an elderly woman who had flown east to attend her college reunion in New Hampshire.........was in her hotel lobby (don't we all check into motels and hotels)......minding her own business. Shot dead by some disgruntled person. For no reason. Too many drugs out there.

[tucson]

I've known of two cases where people died from having their nose bones smashed into their brain. Heaven help me, what a mind full of crap. I need a vacation.

His head was beat into the cement walk , that IS very dangerous and a person CAN die from it.

[tucson]

Good post. I was thinking the same thing, but didn't say it.
I've read many cases of young children killing their fathers or their grandparents...........also young teen girls , along with their boyfriends, killing their mothers. Scary stuff, to say the least.

With everyone on psychotropic drugs nowadays, including kids in the school system.........many are not "thinking" or acting rationally.
Add to the mix, non medicinal drugs.....who knows what is in someone's mind......or how we might "tick them off".

There was an elderly woman who had flown east to attend her college reunion in New Hampshire.........was in her hotel lobby (don't we all check into motels and hotels)......minding her own business. Shot dead by some disgruntled person. For no reason. Too many drugs out there.

Exactly, not to mention all the street drugs out there, (the cause of alot of B&E's to pay for those drugs used by "children" today).

[Shimpy]

and the Tawana Brawley fiasco. Thanks a lot Sharpton. You have again cost the taxpayers a bundle.

Where was Sharpton and the rest of the protesters when OJ got off?

[John_W]

Walking while black is apparently still a crime in some places.

I can give you a some neighborhoods in Baltimore where walking while white is apparently a crime.

[golf2140]

I can give you a some neighborhoods in Baltimore where walking while white is apparently a crime.

Amen

[CMANN]

Where was Sharpton and the rest of the protesters when OJ got off?

OJ killed white people.

[buggyone]

OJ killed white people.


O.J. was found not guilty by a jury of killing his wife and the waiter.

Casey Anthony was found not guilty by a jury of killing her daughter.

George Zimmerman was found not guilty by a jury of murder or manslaughter.

All three are not guilty in the eyes of the law.

[golf2140]

O.J. was found not guilty by a jury of killing his wife and the waiter.

Casey Anthony was found not guilty by a jury of killing her daughter.

George Zimmerman was found not guilty by a jury of murder or manslaughter.

All three are not guilty in the eyes of the law.

But we didn't people shutting down highways, Etc.

[Monkei]

Just this once, justice happened.
how refreshing after OJ and Casey Anthony...
we got it right.

GZ will now have open season with his gun ... After all if he thought his life was in danger before he should check it out now. He is not guilty but he is getting a just sentence none the less. Enjoy your life of looking over your shoulder GZ.

[Monkei]

How true, how sad. In my lifetime, I have never felt that I couldn't (or shouldn't) walk somewhere. Even when I lived in "big" cities like Manhattan or Philadelphia, I always went everywhere that I wanted without fear. But, then, I am not a black male.

Being a black male is of course a rule changer.

[graciegirl]

GZ will now have open season with his gun ... After all if he thought his life was in danger before he should check it out now. He is not guilty but he is getting a just sentence none the less. Enjoy your life of looking over your shoulder GZ.

AOL On - Zimmerman Apologizes to Martin Family (http://on.aol.com/video/zimmerman-apologizes-to-martin-family-517340826)

[mickey100]

That "apology" is really telling. He takes no personal responsibility, just says he's "sorry for the loss of your son", and that he's sorry for them that their son is gone. That ties in with his previous statement on the Fox news show “I feel that it was all God’s plan, and for me to second-guess it or judge it ... ” .

[dillywho]

That "apology" is really telling. He takes no personal responsibility, just says he's "sorry for the loss of your son", and that he's sorry for them that their son is gone. That ties in with his previous statement on the Fox news show “I feel that it was all God’s plan, and for me to second-guess it or judge it ... ” .

That 'apology' to me was very telling that day when the bond hearing was televised. On the released tape, he told the NEN operator that he appeared to be in his teens, late teens, and then tells the family that he thought their son was just a little bit younger than himself. This man was 28 at the time and that is pretty far removed from being a teenager. To me, that is not an inconsistency but an outright lie.

I wondered during the trial, why this was not entered into evidence with the other tapes. Seems to me they left out way too many things and concentrated too much on his getting out of his car, etc. Getting out of your car is not illegal. Lying under oath is.

[graciegirl]

That "apology" is really telling. He takes no personal responsibility, just says he's "sorry for the loss of your son", and that he's sorry for them that their son is gone. That ties in with his previous statement on the Fox news show “I feel that it was all God’s plan, and for me to second-guess it or judge it ... ” .

I thought the apology was sincere. Don't forget that a very young strong teenager attacked him, he didn't know he was younger. What would YOU do if a very young strong child of the same age attacked you and you were on the ground under him and had a weapon of some kind?

Leave all the stuff that you and I have as a philosophy of life and all the things we have been taught. And all the stuff about guns, remember, I am not a gun person.What if someone was beating your head into the pavement and you had a stun gun for protection or a knitting needle and put it to his eye.

Then found out it was a teen. What would your children say that you killed someone who was attacking you?

We have got to step back from the color and the gun issue and the media and ask ourselves that question.

I couldn't kill anyone and possibly would have been beaten badly or even killed. My kids would be mad.

[tucson]

I thought the apology was sincere. Don't forget that a very young strong teenager attacked him, he didn't know he was younger. What would YOU do if a very young strong child of the same age attacked you and you were on the ground under him and had a weapon of some kind?

Leave all the stuff that you and I have as a philosophy of life and all the things we have been taught. And all the stuff about guns, remember, I am not a gun person.What if someone was beating your head into the pavement and you had a stun gun for protection or a knitting needle and put it to his eye.

Then found out it was a teen. What would your children say that you killed someone who was attacking you?

We have got to step back from the color and the gun issue and the media and ask ourselves that question.

I couldn't kill anyone and possibly would have been beaten badly or even killed. My kids would be mad.

Amen Gracie! :-)

[JP]

I can give you a some neighborhoods in Baltimore where walking while white is apparently a crime.

Yeah and I can add Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, Chicago.......I think I am sensing a pattern.

[John_W]

...he told the NEN operator that he appeared to be in his teens, late teens, and then tells the family that he thought their son was just a little bit younger than himself. This man was 28 at the time and that is pretty far removed from being a teenager. To me, that is not an inconsistency but an outright lie.

I wondered during the trial, why this was not entered into evidence with the other tapes. Seems to me they left out way too many things and concentrated too much on his getting out of his car, etc. Getting out of your car is not illegal. Lying under oath is.

Probably for the same reason Trayvon Martin's toxicology report that he had marijuana in his system was left out. Actually, saying someone appears a little younger and then changing his mind later is not lying. When talking to the operator he is looking at a subject in darkness and rain who's wearing a hoodie, and he's estimating the age, that of a black male under these circumstances that he's never saw before. At most trials they always say eye witnesses make for the worse evidence.

Have you ever sat in a class and then someone unknown to you walks into the room and talks to the teacher, and then leaves the room. The teacher then asks students to describe the person, they'll get ten different descriptions.

The prosecutor fought to have the toxicology report kept out of the trial, but after listening to the juror last night I came to the conclusion that he should of let it in. Trayvon's behavior of taking a slow route back to his father's place could of been contributed to being high, and he was somehow tripping on the rain, or whatever else fascinated him at the moment.

/

[janmcn]

Probably for the same reason Trayvon Martin's toxicology report that he had marijuana in his system was left out. Actually, saying someone appears a little younger and then changing his mind later is not lying. When talking to the operator he is looking at a subject in darkness and rain who's wearing a hoodie, and he's estimating the age, that of a black male under these circumstances that he's never saw before. At most trials they always say eye witnesses make for the worse evidence.

Have you ever sat in a class and then someone unknown to you walks into the room and talks to the teacher, and then leaves the room. The teacher then asks students to describe the person, they'll get ten different descriptions.

The prosecutor fought to have the toxicology report kept out of the trial, but after listening to the juror last night I came to the conclusion that he should of let it in. Trayvon's behavior of taking a slow route back to his father's place could of been contributed to being high, and he was somehow tripping on the rain, or whatever else fascinated him at the moment.

/

Judge Nelson allowed the toxicology report of trace amounts of marijuana in Trayvon Martin's system to be admitted as evidence. Why didn't the defense mention it?

[Monkei]

Probably for the same reason Trayvon Martin's toxicology report that he had marijuana in his system was left out. Actually, saying someone appears a little younger and then changing his mind later is not lying. When talking to the operator he is looking at a subject in darkness and rain who's wearing a hoodie, and he's estimating the age, that of a black male under these circumstances that he's never saw before. At most trials they always say eye witnesses make for the worse evidence.

Have you ever sat in a class and then someone unknown to you walks into the room and talks to the teacher, and then leaves the room. The teacher then asks students to describe the person, they'll get ten different descriptions.

The prosecutor fought to have the toxicology report kept out of the trial, but after listening to the juror last night I came to the conclusion that he should of let it in. Trayvon's behavior of taking a slow route back to his father's place could of been contributed to being high, and he was somehow tripping on the rain, or whatever else fascinated him at the moment.

/

I wonder why e shooters blood work was not taken? Shouldn't it have been?

[Monkei]

I can give you a some neighborhoods in Baltimore where walking while white is apparently a crime.

I think in Florida you are ok as long as you don't attack the person following you because you are white. God help you if you are winning the fight, that means a bullet and death for you ... All legal. It's self defense.

[gomoho]

Judge Nelson allowed the toxicology report of trace amounts of marijuana in Trayvon Martin's system to be admitted as evidence. Why didn't the defense mention it?

Cause they didn't need to????