This just in: stay home tonight. Zimmerman has been released.
George Zimmerman is not guilty of murder in the death of Trayvon Martin, a Florida jury decided late Saturday.
The fact that Zimmerman fired the bullet that killed Martin was never in question, but the verdict means the six-person jury had reasonable doubt that the shooting amounted to a criminal act.
The verdict caps a case that has inflamed passions for well over a year, much of it focused on race and gun rights.
The six-person jury — all women — had three choices: to find Zimmerman guilty of second-degree murder; to find him guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter; or to find him not guilty.
The jurors deliberated for 16½ hours total, including 13 on Saturday alone, before delivering their verdict.
When he learned his fate, a subdued Zimmerman had little visible reaction. His face was mostly expressionless. He turned and shook one of his attorney’s hand before sitting back down. His parents, Robert and Gladys Zimmerman, were seated nearby, but Martin’s parents were not in the courtroom.
The problem, according to this writer — http://www.slate.com/blogs/crime/2013/07/10/george_zimmerman_trial_trayvon_martin_s_shooter_is_probably_going_to_walk.html — is simply that it was not possible to reach the high standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Even if we all suspect that we know what happened there, we don’t know what happened there, so we can’t reject Zimmerman’s version of events, and that allowed Zimmerman to walk. (As with the OJ Simpson case, a civil trial for wrongful death — in which the “preponderance of the evidence” (“more likely than not”) standard applies, will probably be forthcoming. (And then Zimmerman will declare bankruptcy as soon as the judgment is levied against him.)
Convenient that this only seems to happen when someone with more social power kills someone with less of it!
To me, the basic truth is this: if Trayvon Martin had shot George Zimmerman under similar circumstances, even without corroboration, he would not be walking free. He’d have been lucky to even make it out of the scene of the shooting alive. He’d have been essentially forced to cop a plea. If he didn’t, he’d be convicted and probably sentenced to die — despite using the same damned defense with no less right to credibility.
This helps move the U.S. back into the Django Unchained world of worry about slave revolt, where for our “master class” the main goal in life is to keep the downtrodden from having guns and the secondary goal is to make sure that if they do have guns they don’t get past the hired guards. This summer just got a whole lot more perilous for everything.
On the (now-rejected) manslaughter option:
On the lack of empathy across races:
Analyzing the verdict and finding Florida guilty:
The jury instructions:
http://www.flcourts18.org/PDF/Press_Releases/Zimmerman_Final_Jury_Instructions.pdf
(The notable thing here is that rather than justifiability of a homicide being raised as an affirmative defense — which is hard if
More to read on the verdict:
http://illumemagazine.com/zine/articleDetail.php?5-Reasons-Why-George-Zimmerman-Was-Acquitted-14396
http://m.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/07/law-and-justice-and-george-zimmerman/277772/
I find the former likely true — but the latter one unpersuasive.
A cop’s take on the verdict — VERY MUCH WORTH READING:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/14/1223459/-A-Cop-s-take-on-the-Verdict
*”There was blood on the saddle….there was blood on the ground…..there was big
buckets of blood all around…….”
Casey Anthony now has a new roommate! Florida…….good grief! Mark Anthony…
said: “But Ceaser was an ambitious teaser!”…..or did he say: “J Lo….didn’t know!”
or did he say: “I’m a great liar…..I mean lawyer……”
I’m interested in people’s take on this piece of writing (which I’ve just added to the bottom of the piece):
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/14/1223459/-A-Cop-s-take-on-the-Verdict
I think the cops view point is honest and valid. I lived in 2 condo complexes since we moved to Anaheim. The first was over by Disneyland and the security cops were allowed to carry guns. I was told the reason being our complex sat in between 7 different gangs. I never saw any hanging around, so I don’t know if that was true, but the security cops were “edgy” to say the least. They loved turning on their “lights” on their cars to get people to move out of their way. One night, one of them approached my husband late at night as he was walking our dog. This security guard asked to see my husbands id. My husband doesn’t bring a wallet when he walks around our complex and he told the SO “no”. The SO acted taken back by his answer and said he needed to show id. My husband told him, he didn’t have it on him and even if he did, it wasn’t the SO’s business to bother him. The SO backed down and told my husband that a “suspicious” person was seen in the complex and my husband asked “is he wearing pajamas? Because you can see I am”. If my husband was a person of color, I bet that encounter would have been much different.
Our new place has SOs but they do not carry weapons and they do not have “attitudes” like the cops described in his article.
From all that I read about Zimmerman and the testimony of the HOA president, he would have fitted in nicely with the Disney SOs, but they are paid, Zimmerman was a volunteer acting out his cop and robber fantasies.
I don’t think any charges would have been filed if the situation was reversed. This started with Obama and then to the race baiters Sharpton and his cohort “the reverend J”. It continued with the prosecution withholding discovery pictures of Trayvon ( a whistleblower public employee finally released the CD of Trayvon’s pot smoking and guns instead of just skittles and tea, but of course employee was fired for this-as was the police chief who refused to arrest ), and an activist judge. Somehow justice prevailed. Many lives forever changed but not all bad things are criminal, just tragedies. If OJ could walk, there was a possibility Zimmerman would, even if already convicted in the press by the journalists. My favorite media bias was the “ABC” logo covering Zimmerman’s head injuries. The State prosecutors didn’t even want to bring charges knowing they would be bogus. But politics prevailed and we got a new set of prosecutors brought in for this fiasco. RIP Trayvon and be safe George. A real tragedy.
Trayvon’s pot-smoking was irrelevant and prejudicial. Trayvon’s interest in guns is, among other things, constitutionally protected.
If you don’t think any charges would have been filed if an armed Trayvon had shot an unarmed George Zimmerman dead in an alley, you’re … let’s be nice and go with “inattentive to most of the world around you.”
Staying anonymous is probably a good idea in your case, though.
Lots of discussion is apparently going around about Blacks rioting after the decision. Why would they, now that it’s arguably open season on them? I’d be more worried about White gun-owners having “take back the streets” rallies — and if anyone challenges them, they can claim that they feared for their lives.
What happens off of the main streets will be more interesting (and, I predict, tragic.)
C’mon now, how many whites are out there shooting the blacks that are killed by gunshot? who is killing the blacks with guns almost all of the time? what about the “doctored” 911 tape the media put out making it seem like Zimmerman called Trayvon black when it was the 911 dispatcher who said the word black? A little tape editing and there you have it. Do you approve of this type of deceit? Or is it ok if it helps get the decision you want? Plus, Zimmerman wasn’t “white”- take a look at him. Hopefully, people stop beating up people who may have guns, it could lead to another tragedy. Two families forever destroyed by this, let there be no more.
If I challenge you on the street, without authority to do so, and you fight back — can I shoot you in self-defense?
How about if you’re black and I’m white? How about if you’re white and I’m black?
Everything else you’re talking about (presuming that you even have your facts straight) is a diversion from the main point.
As for “Zimmerman wasn’t white” — half-white, half-Latino, all nuts, and it doesn’t matter anyway. (That’s a weird comment, too.)
As for “stop beating up people who may have guns” — what if they start the fight? You think that Trayvon was looking to fight with a stranger? I think he was looking to enjoy his iced tea and Skittles.
Are American juries known for ALWAYS coming to a just and fair verdict?
*Zimmerman is White and Philippino!
Mr. Cantor, I’m not suggesting the alternative. I’m suggesting that jury verdicts in this country are not always just and fair.
Not being on that jury cuts both ways.
Of course not. I knew who Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman were, which (somewhat incredibly) would apparently have disqualified me.
No one home.
Zimmerman took it upon himself to become Trayvon’s judge, jury, and executioner.
He will probably regret that. His troubles aren’t over with this acquittal.
That a man who defended himself not only in the real world but in the court would be characterized by nearly everyone as “white” when his own voter registration form has him as Hispanic and a Democrat, by the way. His father is of German decent and his mother Peruvian, with her maternal grandfather as Afro-Peruvian. White? Well ok, in a monochromatic world, maybe. The world is more diverse than that. Stop the race baiting!
Not only was he injured during his encounter with Trayvon Martin, as both photos show and investigating officer believed from his statements, as well as two witnesses. Additionally the local prosecutor refused to press charges. Now, no matter what the ultimate outcome is, he will still carry the stigma forever.
Prof. Alan Dershowitz said it well, regarding the affidavit against Zimmerman, “so thin it wont make it past a judge,” “irresponsible and unethical” additionally Prof Deshowitz opined that the charges were motivated by the prosecutors desire to be re-elected.
This entire debate was raised by those who will stir the pot to gain from the turmoil.
Plain and simple justice has been served.
Just because it doesn’t fit your idea of it, is by no means a reflection of the truth. A jury of his peers found him NOT GUILTY. Deal with it and stop whining about it.
Carl, you might be in Trayvon’s shoes someday…maybe you will decide to go out at night, wearing a sweatshirt and baseball cap and someone like you or George might not like the way you look and decide you look like you are-up-to-no-good and BANG! That person felt threatened and so it was justified,
oh-wait — you will be armed too and it will be shoot out. Just the way you think America should be…the Wild Wild West.
Really, Inge?
I don’t have a CCW and so don’t carry.
You can jump to as many conclusions, without all the facts, all you like, say whatever you will, without any sort of evidence or proof and you think it’s fine.
I’m sorry, but isn’t that the dictionary definition of prejudice?
*Carl, standing corrected on the descendent issue. However, “Neighborhood Programs” have just been set back about 40 years. If you or I lived in Florida….we would be carrying every time we went out of the house. Some “dude” walks up to us in our neighborhood and starts to use that “Neignborhood Watch” trick…..would be put down like a bad pit bull with impunity. We would never have to see his piece…ever!
This is typical Florida stupidity. Florida residents seem to be all incest victims – fourth generation. Sad, that race had anything to do with it – really. How many more George Zimmermans are out there in the Orlando area? No, this outcome did nothing to improve Public Safety in the State of Florida. As we said: This set Neighborhood Watch back…40 years!
Let’s just hope Travon Martin’s folks can sue Zimmerman in Civil Court for about 30 Million dollars. They may never get it – but just the Trial would be worth the effort.
The reason this set initiatives like Neighborhood watch back is that George Zimmerman took it upon himself to ignore a request from an emergency response professional to stand down and let the police arrive and handle the “situation.”
I don’t even question the motivation of Zimmerman’s choice to do that…I say the mere FACT that he did it was wrong. He didn’t follow protocol.
anon,
None of us knows who confronted who. For all we know Zimmerman MAY have been on his way back to his car when he was confronted OR it could have been the other way around, NONE of us knows the truth of that.
Give me a break. I’m not talking about who confronted who. I’m talking about the CHOICE that George Zimmerman made to ignore a request from an emergency response professional to stand down and not follow Trayvon Martin. That request was made WELL before any physical confrontation.
“For all we know Zimmerman MAY have been on his way back to his car when he was confronted…”
Not if you look at the timeline. At 7:13 GZ reports TM running towards the S. Oregon Ave exit (which just happens to be right where TM was staying) that is when GZ got out of his car and FOLLOWED TM. If GZ had stayed in his car TM would’ve just run home.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57412417-504083/trayvon-martin-shooting-a-timeline-of-events/
The ugly racism this case has released is sickening.
The conservative movement in this country has caused even formally rational people to check their common sense and decency at the door and to hop on the crazy train. The right-wingers in this country ought to be ashamed and alarmed at the sheer nuttiness that the republican party has devolved into. And make no mistake, this case cuts right down party lines. Most Republicans are rejoicing at this verdict. Ugly, very ugly.
One of conservatism’s most revered spokesholes is certainly rejoicing;
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/13/ann-coulter-george-zimmerman-verdict_n_3593018.html
Since two witnesses have said they saw the hoodie wearing individual on top of the other person, I doubt that the civil action would find Zimmerman guilty. Having ones head bashed in would be a reasonable case for self defense. We disagree about the “healing value” of a civil trial.
I don’t disagree about the set back to Neighborhood Watch. It’s sad really, since it is a pretty good program. The very reason it was activated in the complex where this sadly violent action took place was because of continuing crime problems.
In 2009 Zimmerman was advised by someone from animal control, to get a firearm and not rely on pepper spray, because of a pit bull that had been roaming free in the complex earlier.
I have NO patience for anyone who fans the flames of racism, and hatred.
“I have NO patience for anyone who fans the flames of racism, and hatred.”
so you have no patience with yourself, Carl?
Insult me all you like Inge, I judge people on their merits. I believe that prejudice is ugly on everyone who wears it, as I have stated many times before. I also believe it shows a great deal of ignorance.
Please show me if you can, where I have EVER fanned the flames of racism or prejudice. I eagerly await your response.
Carl, you are the one who needs weapons, WHO are YOU afraid of? Carl, I know if you actually looked at yourself in the mirror and asked yourself those questions I wrote, you will find out how prejudice you really are…but not too worry…you are not alone. So, as in the words of someone you know…”deal with it and stop whining”.
Inge you are so full of…
somebody once said something about bad facts making bad law. the reality is that this case had bad facts, which, when coupled with a bad law. makes for a bad verdict. i find myself agreeing with dershowitz, it was a poorly drafted indictment based upon a lot of speculation and supposition
on the other hand, the people that guard my community are both armed and black
*This issue again misses a grandiose point: “Strong Message to Follow”! Whatever the outcome there was going to a very awful Social Consequence. First off, Right to Carry laws for private citizens were designed for just one thing: Halt the commission of a felony against a fellow citizen, family member or against one’s own person. Having said that – the application of equal force comes to mind. If someone uses a knife or club or other device to attack another…..each of us has the right to defend ourselves. The so-called Zimmerman Defense was “Sidewalk”. It could have been “Light Post”…it could have been “Stucco”….it could have been “Grass Stains” ….it could have been “Tree trunks or branches”….it could have been “Poison Ivy”. Good Grief it is truly amazing that anyone carrying a firearm is allowed to confront anyone NOT in the Commission of a proveable Felony. Like Rape, Robbery, Grand Theft……Aggravated Assualt. BEFORE you confront someone, attack someone and pull you gun and shoot down anyone. Travon Martin had no weapons. Travon Martin could have been skipping down the sidewalk on his skateboard. Travon Martin was not found in the Commission of Felony. That is why Zimmerman is a killer – not a Neighborhood Watch Captain.
Do you think that it’s unusual for the police to side with the killer instead of the prosecutor? The police went out of their way to get him off.
Also the prosecution was reluctant to charge Zimmerman in the first place, taking more than a month to do so, and then did a half-ass job of making their case against him.
Can you imagine a world where OJ would have the police on his side?
as Buffalo Springfield put it: battle lines being drawn, nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong.
I was going to write a separate post about the verdict, but I decided to write a response instead, especially after reading the comments left on Greg’s post. I won’t go over the details of the trial because I choose to ask questions instead. Questions that I believe need to be asked by each of us. I hope they will be “thoughtful” questions and inspire debate — a debate with the person we see in the mirror.
Are we a nation that “pretends” to care about our neighbor? How often do we judge others who seem different than us, and decide (without supporting evidence) that someone “looks like they are up to no good?” How many of us are afraid to walk down the streets of Compton or South Central after dark, or even mid-afternoon, for that matter because we are afraid of what “might happen?”… what really would happen? Are we just basing our fears on what we hear from others who share the same beliefs as to be “right action” or what is acceptable? As a white male would you decide on your clothing based on what others might think about you before going out to the neighborhood store? As a white male, have you ever worried about being stopped by police and if you were, did you make sure your hands remained visible at all times?
As a white male, have you ever experienced being followed by store personnel while you were there shopping for something? As a white male, have you experienced someone, crossing the street in order to keep from passing by you on the sidewalk?
What if you were 17 years old (it doesn’t matter what race or ethnicity, male or female)and someone was following you in a dark area? What would you do? How would you feel? Would you react? Would you walk faster? Run? Stand “your ground?”
Do you mean like this Inge?
“There is nothing more painful for me at this stage in my life than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start to think about robbery and then look around and see it’s somebody white and feel relieved.”
The Reverend Jesse Jackson
Read this and tell me what you think. I know it’s Wiki and all of the faults that come with it, it’s pretty well done and fairly straight forward. It may actually have some information you didn’t know.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Trayvon_Martin
Carl, I watched 90% of the trial in real time. If I were on the jury, I would have found Zimmerman guilty of manslaughter and I would not have budged from my decision. Zimmerman profiled Martin, like many Americans are guilty of doing everyday. If Zimmerman did not have a gun, Martin and he would have had bloody noses. We have too many guns available to us and they are used in place of an old-fashioned fight…back when people used their fists, now disputes are solved with gunfire. Zimmerman will probably live his life in exile because he decided to bring a gun along to run an errand and used very bad judgment.
Inge,
I will not argue that decisions were made that evening, by all parties involved. I don’t think either of them showed stellar judgment that evening.
I don’t believe anyone should settle it with violent actions, at all Inge. I believe you are totally wrong to say that folks should settle anything with “… an old-fashioned fight…back when people used their fists,…” I think that’s illegal!
Remember too, we no longer allow dueling. ala Hamilton & Burr.
Carl, fist fighting is not a duel. Trayvon was a kid and acting accordingly. He was also a black kid and acted accordingly. Zimmerman was supposed to be the adult and the self-appointed neighborhood watch captain — I watched the testimony of the President of the HOA and he was not happy with Zimmerman and did not think they needed a neighborhood watch. Zimmerman is the one who pushed the issue. Also Zimmerman’s martial arts instructor testified that Zimmerman was physically soft when it came to fighting. He seems to be Barney Fife on steroids.
Barney Fife was a “real” cop.
Zimmerman is more akin to Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
…’cept that he killed someone.
http://www.upworthy.com/know-anyone-that-thinks-racial-profiling-is-exaggerated-watch-this-and-tell-me-when-your-jaw-drops-2
it works the other way as well, i go to compton, i get profiled
Me too Willie, twice a month to the club, at least when I can.
Maybe it’s time to rethink the fifth amendment.
I was STUNNED by the verdict and struggle to understand the outcome, but it is the system we have. Like a bad call at First, this is a choice Florida (and to a greater extent America) has to live with.
The case was the State Of Florida’s to lose. They Did.
*Just another hanging chad……” Welcome to Florida!
“.. re-think the 5th Amendment.”
WTH do you mean by that – GZ should have been tortured into giving testimony against himself??
*Water Boarding …..anyone? Take the 5th or get Water Boarded……should have been the choice to GZ… Where were all the body bruises from the fight on Zimmerman? Where were Trayvon’s bloody knuckles? Where were the sprained hands and tendons on both Zimmerman and Trayvon from fighting? What was Zimmerman doing….pretending he was a blow up doll?
What was not disclosed was the dialogue between Trayvon and George before the first fist was thrown. Great police work. Great Florida Judge instructions and disclosures….saying that race could not be broached when the entire country was talking about the death of a 17 year old black kid. Great Prosecution team……using Defense video of George telling his story…over and over and over and over. Dirty folks….this process was dirty and everyone knows it.
The coroner’s report indicates an abrasion on TM’s left hand. Was he left handed?
http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/news/documents/2013/07/05/trayvon.martin.autopsy.pdf
no, he was right handed