Trayvon Martin, Vigilante Justice

[WildCat]

He knew cops were on the way. He had no need to confront Martin. He just wanted to.

There is no evidence that Zimmerman wanted to confront Martin. In fact, the girl Martin was on the phone with says it was Martin who first spoke to Zimmerman.

He had no probable cause to confront Martin.

Probable cause is inapplicable in this case.

Martin would have had probable cause to smoke his crazy ass.

If Martin decided to "smoke his crazy ass" then Zimmerman was well within his rights to use his gun.

I don't think the Florida authorities will be seeking you out as a consultant. The defense might though.

 

[AlexW]

This article presents Zimmerman's official story as I've seen it described elsewhere; and my presumption is it's what he told the police in his interview following the event:

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/03/19/US-to-investigate-killing-of-Fla-teen/UPI-85941332170292/

 

[AlexW]

Some good info in the Mother Jones article as well; it seems that overcoming a declaration of self defense is exceedingly difficult based on existing precedent in FL.

http://motherjones.com/politics/2012/03/what-happened-trayvon-martin-explained#documents

I somehow doubt anyone will be all that comforted if Zimmerman goes to trial and is exonerated.

 

[Unabogie]

Apparently the SPD was bad enough that an "insider" provided some info to the press. That may be where some of this other info is coming from.

 

[R.A.F.]

Wouldn't be surpised in the next couple of days to see suspensions/resignations in the police force, because of public DEMAND.

...and I am not surprised.

 

[triforcharity]

I was wondering about that too, I have only heard it from posters here.

I've heard it from dozens of different media outlets. I understand that doesn't make it true.

I also heard it confirmed from the attorneys for the Martin family, whom got her information from the Sanford Police.

 

[TheL8Elvis]

This article presents Zimmerman's official story as I've seen it described elsewhere; and my presumption is it's what he told the police in his interview following the event:

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/03/19/US-to-investigate-killing-of-Fla-teen/UPI-85941332170292/

Thanks for the link.

Police said Zimmerman told them he got out of his vehicle to get a look at a street sign, and Martin attacked him from behind. Zimmerman said he shot Martin because he was afraid for his life.

I also found in the http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/...tice-fbi-and.html#disqus_thread#storylink=cpy:

Zimmerman said he had stepped out of his truck to check the name of the street he was on when Trayvon attacked him from behind as he walked back to his truck, police said. He said he feared for his life and fired the semiautomatic handgun he was licensed to carry because he feared for his life.

Would that 'story' be something the police would document in their official report, or would that be something they just wrote in their little notebooks, or something else ?

Would the claim that "Trayvon attacked him from behind as he walked back to his truck" be the same 'attack' the witness testimony from the news video clip saying he saw, when Martins was on Zimmerman and Zimmerman was yelling for help ?

 

[triforcharity]

Ok, so the newest developments as of right now:

Florida Gov. Scott has appointed a special prosecutor to take the case over from the 17th District Attorney's office. This is not unusual in a case of possible police incompetance. Since the 17th District handles Brevard and Seminole county, they work intimately with the Sanford Police. To avoid any claim of bias or misconduct, an outside prosecutor is being appointed.

The DOJ and the FBI are opening a parallel investigation into the entire incident.

A special task group has been formed, and will be investigating the incident under the direction of the office of the Governor, headed by the Lt. Gov.


This is EXACTLY what people have been asking for. If there was ANY misconduct by the Sanford Police, they will find it.

 

[Roadtoad]

Ok, so the newest developments as of right now:

Florida Gov. Scott has appointed a special prosecutor to take the case over from the 17th District Attorney's office. This is not unusual in a case of possible police incompetance. Since the 17th District handles Brevard and Seminole county, they work intimately with the Sanford Police. To avoid any claim of bias or misconduct, an outside prosecutor is being appointed.

The DOJ and the FBI are opening a parallel investigation into the entire incident.

A special task group has been formed, and will be investigating the incident under the direction of the office of the Governor, headed by the Lt. Gov.


This is EXACTLY what people have been asking for. If there was ANY misconduct by the Sanford Police, they will find it.

There may not be a god, but there's a shot at some degree of justice for Trayvon Martin.

 

[triforcharity]

Thanks for the link.

Police said Zimmerman told them he got out of his vehicle to get a look at a street sign, and Martin attacked him from behind. Zimmerman said he shot Martin because he was afraid for his life.

I also found in the http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/...tice-fbi-and.html#disqus_thread#storylink=cpy:

Zimmerman said he had stepped out of his truck to check the name of the street he was on when Trayvon attacked him from behind as he walked back to his truck, police said. He said he feared for his life and fired the semiautomatic handgun he was licensed to carry because he feared for his life.

Would that 'story' be something the police would document in their official report, or would that be something they just wrote in their little notebooks, or something else ?

Would the claim that "Trayvon attacked him from behind as he walked back to his truck" be the same 'attack' the witness testimony from the news video clip saying he saw, when Martins was on Zimmerman and Zimmerman was yelling for help ?

I'll address the hilited.

This would (SHOULD) absolutely be reported in recorded statements, and also in any transcripts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Also, I forgot, the Sanford Police Chief has stepped down temporarily until the investigation is over.

Basically, my opinion is this.

If he stood by his officers' decisions and investigation, why is he stepping down?

It's like me throwing a huge party at your house, and the place get's absolutely trashed! Then, I tell you "I'm out. I'll be back when you get all this cleaned up. Call me when you're done."

Horse ****.

 

[triforcharity]

There may not be a god, but there's a shot at some degree of justice for Trayvon Martin.

Couldn't agree more. Should have happened sooner.

 

[leftysergeant]

If Martin decided to "smoke his crazy ass" then Zimmerman was well within his rights to use his gun.

After he appeared to be trying to attack Martin? Craziest law on the books.

I don't think the Florida authorities will be seeking you out as a consultant. The defense might though.

I couldn't possibly do a worse job than the ALEC meat puppets who put such a stupid piece of crap on the books. There is apparently not a republicon in the state with the brain functions of a bonobo. They just let the Koch roaches and the NRA write proposed law and them slap them up on the wall like good little retards.

 

[Travis]

I wouldn't be averse to revoking the gun licenses of people who kill individuals that can't be shown to have actually done anything wrong, even if there's not enough evidence to convict them of murder.

I've always said concealed/carry permits should not be allowed at all. I've known two people that tried to get them and they were both....shall we say "uncorked" in their head. Thankfully it is hard to get them in the state of California so their "need" of wanting to provoke Hippies into fights then shooting them was not approved.

Then they both moved to Nevada where they both got concealed/carry permits (or whatever Nevada has) only to find there are no Hippies around to murder. Well there is Burning Man but going to it would be too much work I guess. For whatever reason they have not yet gone through with their plans on killing long haired love children.

Ok, so the newest developments as of right now:

Florida Gov. Scott has appointed a special prosecutor to take the case over from the 17th District Attorney's office. This is not unusual in a case of possible police incompetance. Since the 17th District handles Brevard and Seminole county, they work intimately with the Sanford Police. To avoid any claim of bias or misconduct, an outside prosecutor is being appointed.

The DOJ and the FBI are opening a parallel investigation into the entire incident.

A special task group has been formed, and will be investigating the incident under the direction of the office of the Governor, headed by the Lt. Gov.


This is EXACTLY what people have been asking for. If there was ANY misconduct by the Sanford Police, they will find it.

Boy are you optimistic. How do we know they won't try to perpetuate the coverup to protect their precious "kill anyone that looks funny" law?

 

[3point14]

Lefty, I find the guy as creepy as you do, but can you please stop calling him "Fatso"?

It detracts from the points you're trying to make and just agitates people you're trying to convince.

Seconded

 

[3point14]

There is an apparent reason, and it's well documented by Zimmerman's recorded phone call to police. He suspected Martin was a burglar.


And then (according to you) Martin attacked Zimmerman, putting him in fear of his life.

Under your scenario, both were justified and Zimmerman walks.

That leaves the fantastic situation where you can follow someone you don't like, corner them and if you can provoke them into attacking you then you either beat them to a pulp or, if it turns out they're winning, shoot them.

Essentially, it's a licence to kill people who have short fuses.

 

[3point14]

Ok, so the newest developments as of right now:

Florida Gov. Scott has appointed a special prosecutor to take the case over from the 17th District Attorney's office. This is not unusual in a case of possible police incompetance. Since the 17th District handles Brevard and Seminole county, they work intimately with the Sanford Police. To avoid any claim of bias or misconduct, an outside prosecutor is being appointed.

The DOJ and the FBI are opening a parallel investigation into the entire incident.

A special task group has been formed, and will be investigating the incident under the direction of the office of the Governor, headed by the Lt. Gov.


This is EXACTLY what people have been asking for. If there was ANY misconduct by the Sanford Police, they will find it.

I don't think anyone can reasonably complain about the level of response.

 

[WildCat]

After he appeared to be trying to attack Martin? Craziest law on the books.

In your scenario Martin thinks Zimmerman is about to attack him, and Zimmerman is actually being attacked.

I couldn't possibly do a worse job than the ALEC meat puppets who put such a stupid piece of crap on the books. There is apparently not a republicon in the state with the brain functions of a bonobo. They just let the Koch roaches and the NRA write proposed law and them slap them up on the wall like good little retards.

I still don't see how that applies in this case.

 

[WildCat]

That leaves the fantastic situation where you can follow someone you don't like, corner them and if you can provoke them into attacking you then you either beat them to a pulp or, if it turns out they're winning, shoot them.

What evidence do you have that Martin was cornered?

You are also asserting an intent that's not apparent from the evidence.

 

[Puppycow]

It's hard to imagine that an unarmed 17-year-old boy would attack a 28-year-old man 100 pounds heavier than him. Doesn't make sense.

Even Tea-party stalwart Allen West is upset about this, and has called it "an outrage" and for the police chief to step down.

 

[LTC8K6]

If under FL law, they could not arrest or detain Zimmerman, then they likely could not force him to give a blood sample.