Trayvon Martin, Vigilante Justice

[This is The End]

http://www.cfnews13.com/content/new...s/articles/cfn/2012/4/11/trayvon_martin_zimme

2nd degree murder

An official tells the Associated Press that George Zimmerman will be charged with second-degree murder in Trayvon Martin’s death, and Zimmerman is in custody.

3 posts later:

They would have had to have a grand jury decide murder, so it's going to be manslaughter.

 

[BenBurch]

Charge announced - 2nd degree murder.

 

[A Laughing Baby]

Whoa, that's pretty exciting breaking news, Ben!

 

[bookitty]

I've seen this around the intertubes:
http://www.therealgeorgezimmerman.com/
If this is actually really from George Zimmerman, then I say guilty as charged

When Zimmerman's attorney's quit the case, part of the reason was that Zimmerman was acting on his own including the creation of a website to raise funds. I have no idea if that is the actual website.

 

[Dancing David]

Nah, where the verdict caused a riot because of the racial tensions raised.
Anybody who thinks that is not something to be concerned about here is a fool.

I put you down as 'riot will occur' then.

 

[The Greater Fool]

I can rebut it.

It assumes a political motive not in evidence. Not saying there isn't a political motive mind you. But why assume the evidence supports GZ's case and the prosecutor didn't want to put a lost case on his record?

It makes just as much sense Wolfinger was either helping the son of a judge, OR, didn't want to prosecute a neighborhood watch volunteer who shot a black teen (there is supposedly evidence of racism in the area), OR, he simply sides with GZ personally like a lot of the right wingers seem to be doing.

This is interesting. I included other parts about Wolfinger getting wrongful convictions, not letting people off but the end of the quote addresses TGF.

Why I haven’t trusted Norm Wolfinger – long before Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman

as he prepares to retire from office after 28 years

Guess that pretty much rebuts TGF's hypothesis.

Unless he's entertaining running for a different/higher office in the future.

 

[Dancing David]

I agree, and it makes it all the more interesting why the charges are being pursued. Either they know something we do not, or its political.

So when was all the forensic evidence released to the press?

 

[BStrong]

Let me pat myself on the back - I predicted this

http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8180577&postcount=612

Can I win the Million Dollar Challenge now? No? Rats!

 

[Skeptic Ginger]

Unless he's entertaining running for a different/higher office in the future.

Sure, got any evidence?

 

[Skeptic Ginger]

I like the prosecutor. She did a good job in the press conference.

 

[leftysergeant]

Question for lawyers familiar with the Florida justice system. Can the jury return a verdict of manslaughter if they conclude that Z is guilty of something, but not murder 2?

 

[thaiboxerken]

Now, how do they find a jury that hasn't been tainted by Fox News on this? It's Florida, after all.

 

[RandFan]

2nd degree murder, I think, is different state by state. Could someone explain what it is in the case of Florida? My understanding:

Second degree murder is a murder that isn't planned or committed in the heat of passion. It's the intentional killing of someone without concern for their life.

 

[Cylinder]

Question for lawyers familiar with the Florida justice system. Can the jury return a verdict of manslaughter if they conclude that Z is guilty of something, but not murder 2?

Not in any state without a lesser included charge.

 

[sgtbaker]

Question for lawyers familiar with the Florida justice system. Can the jury return a verdict of manslaughter if they conclude that Z is guilty of something, but not murder 2?

Depending on the severity of the charges you face, a jury can also find you guilty of a lesser crime. If the jury is unable to reach a unanimous verdict, then a mistrial is announced and the case will be reset for trial at a later date.

http://www.richardhornsby.com/criminal/guide/trial.html

 

[Cylinder]

2nd degree murder, I think, is different state by state. Could someone explain what it is in the case of Florida? My understanding:

Premeditatation is not an element of the crime, though intent is.

 

[AlexW]

Question for lawyers familiar with the Florida justice system. Can the jury return a verdict of manslaughter if they conclude that Z is guilty of something, but not murder 2?

My guess is the only way that could happen is if he reaches a plea deal with the prosecutors.

 

[Beerina]

Premeditatation is not an element of the crime, though intent is.

Ok we need even better layman's explanation

 

[Cylinder]

Ok we need even better layman's explanation

The state does not have to prove the the deffendant planned - even for an instant - to kill the victim. They do have to prove that the defendant intended to kill (or reasonably would have known that such an act could result in the death of) the victim.

 

[Xulld]

So when was all the forensic evidence released to the press?

They have not, which is why I said that, becuase either the investigators have some facts up there sleeves, or this trial is destined for failure, which if it does fail to convict then Id be inclined to believe the only reason to charge him is to satisfy a political need.

Personally I hope they have more evidence, Id like for this to be justice getting served not some political game.