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Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
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DaniJude
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Danielle
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
I'm really not surprised about the verdict... regardless of people's opinions, either way, if you read the way the law is written in that particular state, what he did (well, what the evidence that is there shows "took place") is not against the law. It states it pretty clearly - and when the Judge 'charges' the Jury, which means he/she reads the law exactly how it is written and then reads all the things the Jury NEEDS to have proof of in order for that particular law to have been broken... So, when that happened the Jury didn't have those say 8 items... not to say that those things didn't happen, but there wasn't evidence to show that they did beyond a reasonable doubt.
When we were in court for the man that hit my brother - the Judge charged the Jury and said the charges - and each charge had an explanation - and each charge had a list of little boxes that the Jury had to "check", so-to-speak, in order to convict.
I remember one charge had FIVE different items that they were REQUIRED to have in order to find the guy guilty of breaking that law -- and, in our case, there was OVERWHELMING evidence that proved each of the different five items. They had to convict - even if deep down they felt like, well the guy made a mistake, or well the guy didn't mean to hit Ken, or whatever the case may be. And in this case, I know it may seem crazy to us because we have been watching the news where things are presented very differently -- but, being in that courtroom is very different and I only know because I've been on both sides - the person IN the court, and the spectator at home. But when they charge a Jury, it is SO clear-cut usually... and if they just don't have evidence that shows the charge the Judge is reading has merit, then they are instructed NOT to convict -- regardless of what they think might be the truth, regardless of their feelings, opinions, personal views, etc.
The Judicial process is really a mind-boggling experience, it truly is. I almost can't even explain it - sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it is bizarre - sometimes it is a travesty, sometimes it is a Godsend. But always a head-scratcher.
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Posted 7/13/13 10:35 PM  |
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DiamondGirl
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
I feel physically ill, for me, this is very personal and I just cannot stomach it 
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| Posted 7/13/13 10:36 PM |
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luvmotherhood
california dreamin'
Member since 2/13 1443 total posts
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by DaniRella
I'm really not surprised about the verdict... regardless of people's opinions, either way, if you read the way the law is written in that particular state, what he did (well, what the evidence that is there shows "took place") is not against the law. It states it pretty clearly - and when the Judge 'charges' the Jury, which means he/she reads the law exactly how it is written and then reads all the things the Jury NEEDS to have proof of in order for that particular law to have been broken... So, when that happened the Jury didn't have those say 8 items... not to say that those things didn't happen, but there wasn't evidence to show that they did beyond a reasonable doubt.
When we were in court for the man that hit my brother - the Judge charged the Jury and said the charges - and each charge had an explanation - and each charge had a list of little boxes that the Jury had to "check", so-to-speak, in order to convict.
I remember one charge had FIVE different items that they were REQUIRED to have in order to find the guy guilty of breaking that law -- and, in our case, there was OVERWHELMING evidence that proved each of the different five items. They had to convict - even if deep down they felt like, well the guy made a mistake, or well the guy didn't mean to hit Ken, or whatever the case may be. And in this case, I know it may seem crazy to us because we have been watching the news where things are presented very differently -- but, being in that courtroom is very different and I only know because I've been on both sides - the person IN the court, and the spectator at home. But when they charge a Jury, it is SO clear-cut usually... and if they just don't have evidence that shows the charge the Judge is reading has merit, then they are instructed NOT to convict -- regardless of what they think might be the truth, regardless of their feelings, opinions, personal views, etc.
The Judicial process is really a mind-boggling experience, it truly is. I almost can't even explain it - sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it is bizarre - sometimes it is a travesty, sometimes it is a Godsend. But always a head-scratcher.
very well said. regardless of how anyone feels about the outcome, with the facts presented by the prosecution and the way the law is written, they didn't have enough evidence to convict regardless of what happened. def a head scratcher.
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| Posted 7/13/13 10:46 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
How this guy gets away scot free and this woman also from Florida got 20 years for attempted murder for firing warning shots in actual self defense when her husband was beating her, is beyond me.
20 years for firing warning shots
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| Posted 7/13/13 10:48 PM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
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Danielle
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by luvmotherhood
very well said. regardless of how anyone feels about the outcome, with the facts presented by the prosecution and the way the law is written, they didn't have enough evidence to convict regardless of what happened. def a head scratcher.
Let me tell you, honestly, if I had not sat in that courtroom in Nassau County for MONTHS - first, pre-trial, then jury selection, then the actual trial - every single day - for freaking five weeks I would NEVER have the understanding and behind the scenes knowledge of how it all goes down. It is CRAZY. Sometimes my sister and I would look at each other and be like, is this real life? And we had a good outcome!
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| Posted 7/13/13 10:49 PM |
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RubyWoo
Complete.
Member since 1/11 1357 total posts
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by DaniRella
I'm really not surprised about the verdict... regardless of people's opinions, either way, if you read the way the law is written in that particular state, what he did (well, what the evidence that is there shows "took place") is not against the law. It states it pretty clearly - and when the Judge 'charges' the Jury, which means he/she reads the law exactly how it is written and then reads all the things the Jury NEEDS to have proof of in order for that particular law to have been broken... So, when that happened the Jury didn't have those say 8 items... not to say that those things didn't happen, but there wasn't evidence to show that they did beyond a reasonable doubt.
When we were in court for the man that hit my brother - the Judge charged the Jury and said the charges - and each charge had an explanation - and each charge had a list of little boxes that the Jury had to "check", so-to-speak, in order to convict.
I remember one charge had FIVE different items that they were REQUIRED to have in order to find the guy guilty of breaking that law -- and, in our case, there was OVERWHELMING evidence that proved each of the different five items. They had to convict - even if deep down they felt like, well the guy made a mistake, or well the guy didn't mean to hit Ken, or whatever the case may be. And in this case, I know it may seem crazy to us because we have been watching the news where things are presented very differently -- but, being in that courtroom is very different and I only know because I've been on both sides - the person IN the court, and the spectator at home. But when they charge a Jury, it is SO clear-cut usually... and if they just don't have evidence that shows the charge the Judge is reading has merit, then they are instructed NOT to convict -- regardless of what they think might be the truth, regardless of their feelings, opinions, personal views, etc.
The Judicial process is really a mind-boggling experience, it truly is. I almost can't even explain it - sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it is bizarre - sometimes it is a travesty, sometimes it is a Godsend. But always a head-scratcher.
So very well said!
Evidence is probably also why the Judge allowed the jury to consider manslaughter as there was not nearly enough evidence to convict on second degree murder.
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| Posted 7/13/13 10:55 PM |
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RubyWoo
Complete.
Member since 1/11 1357 total posts
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by ElizaRags35
How this guy gets away scot free and this woman also from Florida got 20 years for attempted murder for firing warning shots in actual self defense when her husband was beating her, is beyond me.
20 years for firing warning shots
I think the issues here are the 10-20-life rule and the shots that she fired were "warning" shots and not fired in true self-defense. I totally agree with you because it seems crazy and unfair to this woman, but again, the law is the law no matter how ridiculous it may seem.
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| Posted 7/13/13 11:05 PM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
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Danielle
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by RubyWoo
So very well said!
Evidence is probably also why the Judge allowed the jury to consider manslaughter as there was not nearly enough evidence to convict on second degree murder.
True, I think she saw the writing on the wall and went for a "Hail Mary" with the manslaughter charge -- almost like, I know THIS has no chance, but maybe THIS will stick?? Let's throw it against the wall and see if it sticks! Craziness.
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| Posted 7/13/13 11:07 PM |
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MrsA1012
love my little girl !
Member since 9/10 5777 total posts
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Me
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Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Not surprised. I watched the trial and did not feel the prosecution proved its' case beyond a reasonable doubt.
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| Posted 7/13/13 11:10 PM |
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Ayne11
Yep
Member since 1/09 18021 total posts
Name:
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Florida obviously doesn't give a shit about its children. First Caylee Anthony & now Trayvon Martin.
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| Posted 7/13/13 11:33 PM |
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blu6385
Member since 5/08 8351 total posts
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Verdict is what it is ... But couldn't this all have been avoided if he just stood in the car and let the cops handle it?
Also can someone tell me why there is only 6 jurors and not 12
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| Posted 7/13/13 11:47 PM |
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RubyWoo
Complete.
Member since 1/11 1357 total posts
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by blu6385
Verdict is what it is ... But couldn't this all have been avoided if he just stood in the car and let the cops handle it?
Also can someone tell me why there is only 6 jurors and not 12
Florida only requires 12 jurors in a capital murder trial, 6 for all others.
Message edited 7/13/2013 11:59:17 PM.
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| Posted 7/13/13 11:58 PM |
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MandJZ
Time for Baby #2!
Member since 8/10 4194 total posts
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M
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
As disgusted as I am by this, I do have to unfortunately agree that the evidence did not support the 2nd degree murder charge. However, I do think if you consider the definition of manslaughter, the verdict could have rightfully been guilty of manslaughter. I was hopeful that this would be the case, however I am not surprised by the outcome.
That being said, I think there is absolutely no way one can argue that Zimmerman legitimately acted in self-defense. You know the saying you don't bring a gun to a knife fight? Well this man brought a gun to a fistfight that HE started. I don't care if it is or isn't about race, and my personal opinion on that doesn't matter. A child is dead because of the actions of an adult - and there is no justice being served for that.
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| Posted 7/14/13 12:45 AM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by MandJZ
As disgusted as I am by this, I do have to unfortunately agree that the evidence did not support the 2nd degree murder charge. However, I do think if you consider the definition of manslaughter, the verdict could have rightfully been guilty of manslaughter. I was hopeful that this would be the case, however I am not surprised by the outcome.
That being said, I think there is absolutely no way one can argue that Zimmerman legitimately acted in self-defense. You know the saying you don't bring a gun to a knife fight? Well this man brought a gun to a fistfight that HE started. I don't care if it is or isn't about race, and my personal opinion on that doesn't matter. A child is dead because of the actions of an adult - and there is no justice being served for that.
But TM was in a gang so really GZ was doing the world a favor by getting rid of him before he could partake in any gang violence
I've seen people say this or similar.
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| Posted 7/14/13 12:53 AM |
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MandJZ
Time for Baby #2!
Member since 8/10 4194 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by ElizaRags35
Posted by MandJZ
As disgusted as I am by this, I do have to unfortunately agree that the evidence did not support the 2nd degree murder charge. However, I do think if you consider the definition of manslaughter, the verdict could have rightfully been guilty of manslaughter. I was hopeful that this would be the case, however I am not surprised by the outcome.
That being said, I think there is absolutely no way one can argue that Zimmerman legitimately acted in self-defense. You know the saying you don't bring a gun to a knife fight? Well this man brought a gun to a fistfight that HE started. I don't care if it is or isn't about race, and my personal opinion on that doesn't matter. A child is dead because of the actions of an adult - and there is no justice being served for that.
But TM was in a gang so really GZ was doing the world a favor by getting rid of him before he could partake in any gang violence
I've seen people say this or similar.
You should ask those people if they support vigilante-ism in all cases or just when the victim of it is black?
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| Posted 7/14/13 12:59 AM |
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
I agree with the verdict. It was the legally correct decision. Murder and manslaughter charges require intent. Nothing in the prosecutions case proved Zimmerman had any intent to kill or cause Martin to die. The choice was either have his head get bashed against the concrete or shoot the offender.
Yes it is sad that an unarmed boy was killed, but lots of people die every day in senseless ways and they don't make the front page. The media hyped this up abut race, when I didn't see it that way. If Zimmerman were black, the verdict would easily be the same. The fact is, the prosecution failed to prove the elements of murder or manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt. Alan Dershowitz even agreed with the DA that prosecuting Zimmerman was a mistake because there wasn't enough evidence to do so.
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| Posted 7/14/13 1:01 AM |
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MandJZ
Time for Baby #2!
Member since 8/10 4194 total posts
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M
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by EclecticEsq10810
I agree with the verdict. It was the legally correct decision. Murder and manslaughter charges require intent. Nothing in the prosecutions case proved Zimmerman had any intent to kill or cause Martin to die. The choice was either have his head get bashed against the concrete or shoot the offender.
Yes it is sad that an unarmed boy was killed, but lots of people die every day in senseless ways and they don't make the front page. The media hyped this up abut race, when I didn't see it that way. If Zimmerman were black, the verdict would easily be the same. The fact is, the prosecution failed to prove the elements of murder or manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt. Alan Dershowitz even agreed with the DA that prosecuting Zimmerman was a mistake because there wasn't enough evidence to do so.
This is not true. Manslaughter is actually when there is NO intent for the victim to die. Voluntary manslaughter can, and often does, mean when there is intent to HARM but death occurs (which clearly was the case here - why else did Zimmerman use his GUN?) and involuntary manslaughter is when there is no intent at all to harm someone. Also, it was not proven that Zimmerman was 'getting his head based in'.
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| Posted 7/14/13 1:05 AM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
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Me
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by MandJZ
Posted by EclecticEsq10810
I agree with the verdict. It was the legally correct decision. Murder and manslaughter charges require intent. Nothing in the prosecutions case proved Zimmerman had any intent to kill or cause Martin to die. The choice was either have his head get bashed against the concrete or shoot the offender.
Yes it is sad that an unarmed boy was killed, but lots of people die every day in senseless ways and they don't make the front page. The media hyped this up abut race, when I didn't see it that way. If Zimmerman were black, the verdict would easily be the same. The fact is, the prosecution failed to prove the elements of murder or manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt. Alan Dershowitz even agreed with the DA that prosecuting Zimmerman was a mistake because there wasn't enough evidence to do so.
This is not true. Manslaughter is actually when there is NO intent for the victim to die. Voluntary manslaughter can, and often does, mean when there is intent to HARM but death occurs (which clearly was the case here - why else did Zimmerman use his GUN?) and involuntary manslaughter is when there is no intent at all to harm someone. Also, it was not proven that Zimmerman was 'getting his head based in'.
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| Posted 7/14/13 1:10 AM |
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
The charges given to the jury on the manslaughter charge included the word "intentionally" which is probably why they asked for clarification.
Yes you are correct that manslaughter charges are appropriate when the person causes harm to another and death inevitably occurs, but the charge of manslaughter in FL included the word "intent" which is arguably a higher standard than just "performed an act that resulted in the death of another". Because of the language in the FL manslaughter statute, the jury really did not have a choice but to acquit. Also, GZs pictures clearly show he had blood and Injuries to the back of his skull, which would lead a reasonable person to conclude GZs head made contact with a concrete sidewalk.
Page 10 of the jury instructions on the manslaughter charge clearly distinguish between a negligent death and intentional death:
http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/153357899
Message edited 7/14/2013 1:58:22 AM.
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| Posted 7/14/13 1:13 AM |
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
It's not so easy to prove a case and when we watch on TV it's very difficult to put ourselves into the seats of the jury. We don't see what they see & we do see some things that they can't.
That said, this case was all about race. I'm not talking about the outcome, I am talking about the incident itself. 100% about race. As I said on twitter, a not guilty verdict does not make the act right.
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| Posted 7/14/13 2:29 AM |
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bella
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 1871 total posts
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Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
I think the jury came to the correct conclusion based on the facts presented in court (not the media analysis, public hearsay, rumors, etc.) the laws in the state of Florida and the instructions given to them by the court. Whether that makes it the correct verdict in the eyes of the public and what may or may not have actually happened that night we will never know.
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| Posted 7/14/13 6:43 AM |
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hanna7636
LIF Adult
Member since 8/06 921 total posts
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
They said the incident happened around 7pm at night in February in which it was dark and he might not have see his color. Second my husband is white and wears hoodies and you cannot tell what his race is.
I just read this
The Retreat at Twin Lakes is a 260-unit gated townhome community in Sanford, Florida.[79][80] The population in the development at the time of the shooting, was about 49% non-Hispanic white, 23% Hispanic (of any race), 20% black, and 5% Asian, according to Census figures.[67] Both George Zimmerman and Tracy Martin's fiancee were renting homes in the development when the shooting occurred.[45] At the time of the shooting, Martin had been staying with his father's fiancee at The Retreat.[11]
From January 1, 2011 through February 26, 2012, police were called to The Retreat at Twin Lakes 402 times.[67] During the 18 months preceding the February 26 shooting, Zimmerman called the non-emergency police line seven times. On five of those calls, Zimmerman reported suspicious looking men in the area, but never offered the men's race without first being asked by the dispatcher.[81][82][83] Crimes committed at The Retreat in the year prior to Martin's death included eight burglaries, nine thefts, and one shooting.[84] Twin Lakes residents said there were dozens of reports of attempted break-ins, which had created an atmosphere of fear in their neighborhood.[4]
In September 2011, the Twin Lakes residents held an organizational meeting to create a neighborhood watch program. Zimmerman was selected by neighbors as the program's coordinator, according to Wendy Dorival, Neighborhood Watch organizer for the Sanford Police Department.[7][7][85]
Three weeks prior to the shooting, on February 2, 2012, Zimmerman called police to report a young man peering into the windows of an empty Twin Lakes home. Zimmerman was told a police car was on the way and he waited for their arrival. By the time police arrived, the suspect had fled. On February 6, workers witnessed two young black men lingering in the yard of a Twin Lakes resident around the same time her home was burglarized. A new laptop and some gold jewelry were stolen. The next day police discovered the stolen laptop in the backpack of a young black man, which led to his arrest. Zimmerman identified this young man as the same person he had spotted peering into windows on February 2.[4]
Zimmerman had been licensed to carry a firearm since November 2009. In response to Zimmerman's multiple reports regarding a loose pit bull in the Twin Lakes neighborhood, a Seminole County Animal Services officer advised Zimmerman to "get a gun", according to a friend, rather than rely on pepper spray to fend off the pit bull, which on one occasion had cornered his wife.[4] Although neighborhood watch volunteers are not encouraged to carry weapons, Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee acknowledged that Zimmerman had a legal right to carry his firearm on the night of the shooting.[67]
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| Posted 7/14/13 7:14 AM |
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Kidsaplenty
Sister love
Member since 2/06 5971 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by EclecticEsq10810
I agree with the verdict. It was the legally correct decision. Murder and manslaughter charges require intent. Nothing in the prosecutions case proved Zimmerman had any intent to kill or cause Martin to die. The choice was either have his head get bashed against the concrete or shoot the offender.
Yes it is sad that an unarmed boy was killed, but lots of people die every day in senseless ways and they don't make the front page. The media hyped this up abut race, when I didn't see it that way. If Zimmerman were black, the verdict would easily be the same. The fact is, the prosecution failed to prove the elements of murder or manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt. Alan Dershowitz even agreed with the DA that prosecuting Zimmerman was a mistake because there wasn't enough evidence to do so.
But the only evidence that Zimmermans head was being hit against the concrete were 1) his own word, and 2) a picture, showing a teeny tiny gash on the back of his head. *I* wouldn't say it was enough for him to believe his life was in imminent danger. Also, the lack of bruising on his hands etc. shows that the only defensive measures he took were to shoot, not punch, scratch, slap, etc.
I also find it really scary that Zimmerman is able to conceal carry a gun again.
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| Posted 7/14/13 7:35 AM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
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Liz
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by hanna7636
They said the incident happened around 7pm at night in February in which it was dark and he might not have see his color. Second my husband is white and wears hoodies and you cannot tell what his race is.
I just read this
The Retreat at Twin Lakes is a 260-unit gated townhome community in Sanford, Florida.[79][80] The population in the development at the time of the shooting, was about 49% non-Hispanic white, 23% Hispanic (of any race), 20% black, and 5% Asian, according to Census figures.[67] Both George Zimmerman and Tracy Martin's fiancee were renting homes in the development when the shooting occurred.[45] At the time of the shooting, Martin had been staying with his father's fiancee at The Retreat.[11]
From January 1, 2011 through February 26, 2012, police were called to The Retreat at Twin Lakes 402 times.[67] During the 18 months preceding the February 26 shooting, Zimmerman called the non-emergency police line seven times. On five of those calls, Zimmerman reported suspicious looking men in the area, but never offered the men's race without first being asked by the dispatcher.[81][82][83] Crimes committed at The Retreat in the year prior to Martin's death included eight burglaries, nine thefts, and one shooting.[84] Twin Lakes residents said there were dozens of reports of attempted break-ins, which had created an atmosphere of fear in their neighborhood.[4]
In September 2011, the Twin Lakes residents held an organizational meeting to create a neighborhood watch program. Zimmerman was selected by neighbors as the program's coordinator, according to Wendy Dorival, Neighborhood Watch organizer for the Sanford Police Department.[7][7][85]
Three weeks prior to the shooting, on February 2, 2012, Zimmerman called police to report a young man peering into the windows of an empty Twin Lakes home. Zimmerman was told a police car was on the way and he waited for their arrival. By the time police arrived, the suspect had fled. On February 6, workers witnessed two young black men lingering in the yard of a Twin Lakes resident around the same time her home was burglarized. A new laptop and some gold jewelry were stolen. The next day police discovered the stolen laptop in the backpack of a young black man, which led to his arrest. Zimmerman identified this young man as the same person he had spotted peering into windows on February 2.[4]
Zimmerman had been licensed to carry a firearm since November 2009. In response to Zimmerman's multiple reports regarding a loose pit bull in the Twin Lakes neighborhood, a Seminole County Animal Services officer advised Zimmerman to "get a gun", according to a friend, rather than rely on pepper spray to fend off the pit bull, which on one occasion had cornered his wife.[4] Although neighborhood watch volunteers are not encouraged to carry weapons, Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee acknowledged that Zimmerman had a legal right to carry his firearm on the night of the shooting.[67]
All this is wonderful, but still doesn't explain while after calling the police dispatcher and being told to stay in the car, he still got out of the car. He didn't do it on the time that you found above, why do it this time. AND, a neighborhood watch program is just that - to WATCH, not to act. If he had never gotten out of his car and just followed the boy or even driven away, Trayvon would have been alive. And we don't know who instigated the fight. All we have is the word of the man who is alive, not dead.
At this point, the verdict in inconsequential, because it is what it is. But this sets precedence for a VERY slippery slope as we go forward. What is defending yourself at this point? It is very sad, and I fear for my child at this point.
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| Posted 7/14/13 7:42 AM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: Zimmerman verdict about to be read!
Posted by Jacksmommy
Posted by hanna7636
They said the incident happened around 7pm at night in February in which it was dark and he might not have see his color. Second my husband is white and wears hoodies and you cannot tell what his race is.
I just read this
The Retreat at Twin Lakes is a 260-unit gated townhome community in Sanford, Florida.[79][80] The population in the development at the time of the shooting, was about 49% non-Hispanic white, 23% Hispanic (of any race), 20% black, and 5% Asian, according to Census figures.[67] Both George Zimmerman and Tracy Martin's fiancee were renting homes in the development when the shooting occurred.[45] At the time of the shooting, Martin had been staying with his father's fiancee at The Retreat.[11]
From January 1, 2011 through February 26, 2012, police were called to The Retreat at Twin Lakes 402 times.[67] During the 18 months preceding the February 26 shooting, Zimmerman called the non-emergency police line seven times. On five of those calls, Zimmerman reported suspicious looking men in the area, but never offered the men's race without first being asked by the dispatcher.[81][82][83] Crimes committed at The Retreat in the year prior to Martin's death included eight burglaries, nine thefts, and one shooting.[84] Twin Lakes residents said there were dozens of reports of attempted break-ins, which had created an atmosphere of fear in their neighborhood.[4]
In September 2011, the Twin Lakes residents held an organizational meeting to create a neighborhood watch program. Zimmerman was selected by neighbors as the program's coordinator, according to Wendy Dorival, Neighborhood Watch organizer for the Sanford Police Department.[7][7][85]
Three weeks prior to the shooting, on February 2, 2012, Zimmerman called police to report a young man peering into the windows of an empty Twin Lakes home. Zimmerman was told a police car was on the way and he waited for their arrival. By the time police arrived, the suspect had fled. On February 6, workers witnessed two young black men lingering in the yard of a Twin Lakes resident around the same time her home was burglarized. A new laptop and some gold jewelry were stolen. The next day police discovered the stolen laptop in the backpack of a young black man, which led to his arrest. Zimmerman identified this young man as the same person he had spotted peering into windows on February 2.[4]
Zimmerman had been licensed to carry a firearm since November 2009. In response to Zimmerman's multiple reports regarding a loose pit bull in the Twin Lakes neighborhood, a Seminole County Animal Services officer advised Zimmerman to "get a gun", according to a friend, rather than rely on pepper spray to fend off the pit bull, which on one occasion had cornered his wife.[4] Although neighborhood watch volunteers are not encouraged to carry weapons, Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee acknowledged that Zimmerman had a legal right to carry his firearm on the night of the shooting.[67]
All this is wonderful, but still doesn't explain while after calling the police dispatcher and being told to stay in the car, he still got out of the car. He didn't do it on the time that you found above, why do it this time. AND, a neighborhood watch program is just that - to WATCH, not to act. If he had never gotten out of his car and just followed the boy or even driven away, Trayvon would have been alive. And we don't know who instigated the fight. All we have is the word of the man who is alive, not dead.
At this point, the verdict in inconsequential, because it is what it is. But this sets precedence for a VERY slippery slope as we go forward. What is defending yourself at this point? It is very sad.
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| Posted 7/14/13 7:43 AM |
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| Pages: 1 [2] 3 |
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