Judge steps aside from Zimmerman-Martin murder case

The defense team for George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who fatally shot black teen Trayvon Martin, is seeking a new judge in the case, citing an alleged conflict of interest involving her husband. NBC's Kerry Sanders reports.

Seminole County Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler took herself off George Zimmerman's second-degree murder case on Wednesday because of a possible conflict of interest.

The new judge on the case is Judge Kenneth Lester Jr., a 15-year veteran who has heard death penalty cases, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Zimmerman, 28, is charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin, 17, during a scuffle in a gated community in Sanford, Fla.


Zimmerman, a block watch volunteer, has pleaded not guilty, claiming it was self-defense.

The killing of Martin on Feb. 26, and a long delay in an arrest or charges in the case, sparked protests across the nation as well as emotionally charged debate about race relations and self-defense laws.

Martin is black, and Zimmerman is white and Hispanic.

Special Prosecutor Angela Corey ordered Zimmerman’s arrest and filed charges last week. Recksiedler was assigned to the case at that time.

With all the media coverage surrounding the Trayvon Martin case, many are asking if it will be possible for George Zimmerman to have a fair trial. The defense in the case has asked for the judge to be removing because of a potential conflict of interest. Trayvon Martin's parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, along with their attorney Benjamin Crump talk with Rev. Al Sharpton.

Recksiedler is on a temporary assignment for the Florida Supreme Court.

Zimmerman is being held in Seminole County Jail while he awaits a bail hearing, scheduled for Friday. That hearing will decide if Zimmerman will be released on bail pending trial, and the amount of money he would need to post.

“The goal is to have a new judge in place in order to make that hearing,” Michelle Kennedy, court spokeswoman, told msnbc.com on Wednesday.

Zimmerman’s defense attorney, Mark O'Mara, on Monday requested that Recksiedler surrender the case because of a conflict of interest. Her husband is a partner in a law firm that includes Mark NeJame, an attorney who provides on-air analysis of the case for CNN. Zimmerman’s family also had approached NeJame about representing him, but NeJame declined.

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well that would make obama the first white afican-american president. wait, blacks will never go for it.

  • 5 votes
Reply#55 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 5:59 PM EDT

dallaschriss, u mean Obama is half white, do you have evidence of this? I'm just curious because he is the first black president. Do I smell a scam here? Is he pretending to be black? Well doesnt matter what his color is he has been an embarrasment to this country and all it stands for.

  • 3 votes
#55.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:11 PM EDT

Funny how race is so important to MSNBC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess racist motives go with being liberal.

  • 4 votes
#55.2 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:35 PM EDT

MD Virginia-- you're kidding, right. Yes she's white, causasian, aryan, nordic stock if you like. She actually lived in Vernon TX for awhile

  • 2 votes
#55.3 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:35 PM EDT
Reply

This should never have been an issue and again shows how the criminal justice system along the (I 4) corridor is a mickey/minnie mouse operation. The Head Administrative Judge in that Circuit should have laid down the law that they did not want any problems like the first Judge in the Casey Anthony Case. The Judge who stepped down should have been on the phone herself to the Administrative Judge before the case was assigned and did the Honorable thing by disclosing her husbands role. But, this is Florida and the States Attorneys and Judges are as suspect as the defendants!

  • 2 votes
Reply#56 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:01 PM EDT

Um, Ed, the judge that stepped down did all that. Everyone knew what was up with her husband. The judge was the one who told both the prosecution and defense. She kept nothing secret.

  • 5 votes
#56.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:04 PM EDT
Reply

Ok I done having fun, I am a white male , I love my country and I love all whom live here that wish to live here with the understanding of United We Stand, to preserve a free country. There will always be some kind of tragedy happening along with violence involved. I can't and will not be the judge of either people in this case I will leave it to God. To everyone have a blessed day and try to forgive others as you would want to be forgiven by the maker yourself. Amen

  • 2 votes
Reply#57 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:06 PM EDT

Good decision. We certainly DO NOT want anything to go wrong in a trial that must get justice for the victim. If hot, and the "stand your ground" law is interpreted in this extreme manner, there will be a rash of murders in every state that has one! Let's get this tried, get Zimmerman prosecuted, and get on with it. He wanted to kill someone, and, he did just that!

  • 3 votes
Reply#58 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:07 PM EDT

Wow I guess you have some evidence that no one else has seen to convict him without going to trial!

  • 5 votes
#58.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:13 PM EDT

Let's get this tried, get Zimmerman prosecuted,

Translation... lock him up and get him killed behind bars. You don't want a trial you want a conviction.

there will be a rash of murders in every state that has one!

well the law has been on the books since 2005 and so far there is no "rash" but it has been decided before the courts previously so there IS precedent.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/article1222930.ece

All crime is on the decline, including murder. The only uptick IS justified homicide but only because the law is doing as designed.. protecting people who defend themselves from being victimized a second time.

  • 1 vote
#58.2 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:56 PM EDT

Justified homicide isn't a crime and is not included in crime stastics.

    #58.3 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:39 PM EDT

    Naah just in Florida because the stand your ground law has different parameters in each state to kill you under it here you better be in my house or I better drag your body in before I call the cops.

      #58.4 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:06 AM EDT
      Reply

      Here's a suggestion for Mr. Obama. He should fire Mr. Holder and replace them with Spike Lee. Mr. Lee could just tweet the addresses of all criminals and they will be taking care of with his methods.

      • 4 votes
      Reply#59 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:28 PM EDT

      Do you mean REAL criminals...or "public media" criminals? If you mean the real ones, that would be a good idea...as Holder is doing jack-sheet about them now. Start with our borders, and go from there.

      Mr. Obama had to go through several AG's's to find one who would carry out his Chicago-type non-justice in the manner he required...We're doing just "ducky" with it now.

      • 1 vote
      #59.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:21 PM EDT

      Annie Holder is one. He is doing his best not to give the information on his gun deal with the cartels to the investigating panel. Just because it got a federal agent killed doesn't mean Holder has to be inconvenienced. And the borders they belong to that other Obama appointee Napolitano. She says they are safe. the same day a bullet fired in Juarez Mx. hit a shopper pushing a baby stroller in El Paso Tx. and a week later her Border Patrol got into a running gun battle with drug smugglers in Texas. And some 15 year old kid driving a van full of illegals got into a crash and killed 9 and injured 17. But the border is perfectly safe don't you know. BTW 2 UT campuses have bullet holes in their walls facing Mexico want to send your kid there?

      • 1 vote
      #59.2 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:16 AM EDT

      Lonereb: I hear you loud and clear...we have to keep spreading around to others how crooked this Adm is.........to say anti-American is an understatement.

      Just keep on circulating the truth everywhere possible! Don't give up!

      • 1 vote
      #59.3 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:35 AM EDT
      Reply

      the judge was afraid, when the truth comes out in court and Zimmerman is aquitted, the "new" black panthers would want he killed as well.

      I love how BSNBC reports that Zimmerman is "white and hispanic", in hopes to keep the white black race crap going and going.

      maybe if you live on mars you may not have heard this was a strictly racial cold blooded murder intentionally perpetrated by a vigilanty rogue looking to kill anyone his bigoted mind wanted to. at least that what the liberal media says.

      • 3 votes
      Reply#60 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:29 PM EDT

      The Judge was afraid Spike Lee would tweet her adress if the verdict didn't go to his way of thinking LOL

      • 6 votes
      #60.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:32 PM EDT

      S. Ulmer, no media has any of the things you claim. But plenty of apparent white racists have.

      • 2 votes
      #60.2 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:16 PM EDT

      ...this was a strictly racial cold blooded murder intentionally perpetrated by a vigilanty rogue looking to kill anyone his bigoted mind wanted to. at least that what the liberal media says.

      At least as plausible as Zimmerman's version, and since he executed the only other witness, who you gonna believe? The unarmed dead guy?

      • 1 vote
      #60.3 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:17 PM EDT

      yet,

      you don't watch tv, read or get out much do you? the

      "new black panthers have put a bounty on Zimmerman's head, DEAD or alive.

      in this story alone the media printed "white and hispanic" discribing Zimmerman, not hispanic which is what he is. very clearly intent on keeping the race issue hot.

      the media has supported rev's jessie & al, and the "new" militant panthers with their death threats against whites.

      paraphrasing the entire medias coverage and their public lynching of George Zimmerman, along with their non condemnation of the bigots al, jessie, spike, and the new black panzies, I am 100% correct.

      • 2 votes
      #60.4 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:06 PM EDT

      S. How many times does it have to be explained to you. "Hispanic" is not a race. Is Zimmerman black? No, then he is "white."

      • 2 votes
      #60.5 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:41 PM EDT

      as long as it is a profile option on every job application and legal government form, (most private ones as well).

      ask a mexican and he'll tell you there is a huge difference between white and hispanic. why would the news say white AND hispanic, if they were one and the same?

      the hopes are that the sheeple will blame whitey and not brownie for the problems. this is the media's hope to drive a racial wedge between black and white, not wanting to involve hispanics. rev's al & jessie march with hispanics when convenient, wanting to use them as allies against the white man. that is why they went after whitey, refusing to mention Zimmermans heritage as what it is.

      and is what drives sheeple like you to claim one thing here and now, and another at a different time. you really are a liberal sheep.

        #60.6 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:12 AM EDT

        Rick that is compilation of the crap the media is pushing. Listen to this tape see right here thats the word see. All I heard was garbled noise. And lets not forget NBC's hatchet job of editing the 911 tape for ratings. Raddave since when are the INCA white. You know the native people of Peru. Actually since there are only three races that would make him Asian.

          #60.7 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:25 AM EDT

          raddave44

          S. How many times does it have to be explained to you. "Hispanic" is not a race. Is Zimmerman black? No, then he is "white."

          Would you prefer they use BIG words like xenophobia baiting? Or do you prefer ethnicity baiting? The ONLY reason they keep putting WHITE out there is to keep the division going... Hey I know what works but they won't like it. George is NON BLACK. It just plays the wrong way but is really what the issue is about.

          • 1 vote
          #60.8 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 6:33 AM EDT
          Reply

          She is smart,why be a part of a Punch and Judy show.So now the lynch mob delegates justice.How low has this country become.A couple of con artist jackson@sharpie administrating the law. Good Girl

          • 2 votes
          Reply#61 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:31 PM EDT

          Still doesn't mean Zimmerman can get a fair trial after all the media distortions of the facts and repeatedly showing a years-old picture of a much younger Martin.

          • 4 votes
          Reply#62 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:37 PM EDT

          O.J. Simpson and Casey Anthony both had fair trials. Michael Jackson had two!

            #62.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:41 PM EDT

            OJ got away with murder because he took advantage of the 'race card.' What's so fair about that?

            Anthony was, admittedly, reviled by the media, Nancy Grace in particular, relentlessly. I'd say she was treated worse by the media than Zimmerman, so I'd agree that she must have had a fair trial because otherwise she would be in prison now. I think there was a genuine reasonable doubt in her case, but I think OJ did not get a fair trial because his football popularity and his attorneys' use of race biased the jury in his favor. He was later found to have killed two people on the "more likely than not" standard of a civil trial, and while that's not good enough to convict him of a crime, it does establish that he did the killing.

            I didn't keep up with the Michael Jackson matter, but suspect that his popularity probably pushed things in his favor.

            • 3 votes
            #62.2 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:52 PM EDT

            Comenzar, I meant fair from a strictly legal standpoint.

              #62.3 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:15 PM EDT

              I was thinking you might be referring to distortions such as those Zimmerman's daddy has managed, covering up assault/resisting arrest, domestic violence, plus a racist handle that shows Zimmerman's true colors (red(neck) and white (hood, KKK wannabe)).

              • 2 votes
              #62.4 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:59 PM EDT

              tibia - just an interjection here. I sincerely doubt Zimmerman's father has THAT much clout with the Florida legal system, since he was only a magistrate in Virginia - not even judge status. Second, the accounts of Z's former problems hardly seem like they would have needed much "covering up". Pushing a cop in a bar incident gets you arrested, but most likely gets dismissed if you don't follow it up with other aggressive action. As far as domestic violence - he was accused but never convicted. It is easy for someone to accuse, but that does not make the other party guilty of anything. The fact that it was not pursued by the woman makes the charge less than credible. Now what racist handle does he have?

              I don't know if he is guilty or not. Maybe. I tend to think so, but your thinking seems to be based not on facts, but on shoddy shoddy evidence.

              • 2 votes
              #62.5 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:23 PM EDT

              MissC: You are SO transparent. You are now saying that the OJ and Jackson trials were fair because they went by the law, but you WILL NOT STOP to try to make Z out to be guilty, and he hasn't even HAD a trial by the law!!!

              Now WHAT does that tell you about yourself, and so many others like you on here????

              Please don't bother to "splain" like you have before...your words have already given you away so easily.

              • 2 votes
              #62.6 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:23 PM EDT

              I don't know if he is guilty or not. Maybe. I tend to think so, but your thinking seems to be based not on facts, but on shoddy shoddy evidence.

              No idea as to his guilt or innocence. Just thankful that the case was finally brought into the light of the day, albeit minus crucial evidence. Not saying a Virginia magistrate has tremendous clout in Florida, but I'm not naive enough to think that there aren't connections to be made/had. Your cavalier defense of "pushing" a police officer, when you weren't a witness, and saying that it most likely gets dismissed? That's not my pay grade. You must be in the field, or experienced the benefit of the doubt first hand. And "accused but never convicted"? Yikes. Wish I had a dollar for every domestic abuse case where an accusation was made, no conviction resulted. Throw in unreported rapes, for good measure. As for the handle, haven't seen it, but seems that Zimmerman had a MySpace account with the handle "datniggytb", and coincidentally, tb are Martin's first and middle initials. Curiouser and curiouser......

              "shoddy evidence" - like Zimmerman's version has any shred of credibility.

              • 1 vote
              #62.7 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:56 PM EDT

              tibiaornottibia

              albeit minus crucial evidence

              Just what evidence do you feel is missing? Spell it out please. They have the gun, they have the body, they know where the body fell, they may or may not have clothing and photos.. find out in time. They have witness statements,,, which seem to change with the opportunity to almost appear on TV.

              And "accused but never convicted"?

              Show us a conviction on DV. All we have is mutual restraining orders that have expired. Had he been convicted on DV he could not legally own a firearm. Had he been convicted of a crime that required a year or more in jail he could not own a firearm. Even if expunged he would be banned.

              but seems that Zimmerman had a MySpace account with the handle "datniggytb", and coincidentally, tb are Martin's first and middle initials.

              do you have proof that George created that account? Did it exist at all? When was it created? Would you like a demonstration of how easy it is to create an account that looks like you created it?

              The parents and trayvon supporters have not denied that #NO_LIMIT_NIGGA was trayvons account but continue to insist certain photos are not him or he was only "goofing around".

              Your cavalier defense of "pushing" a police officer, when you weren't a witness, and saying that it most likely gets dismissed?

              That description would work with the fact that the judge on the case questioned the severity of the charge, especially after the second officer on the scene only filed resisting arrest charges and everyone signed off on his sentence and expungement.

              Just answer the "crucial evidence" question you feel is missing. The scene was rather limited and other than some blood washing away in the rain there wasn't that much to collect in the first place.

              • 1 vote
              #62.8 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:15 PM EDT

              Just answer the "crucial evidence" question you feel is missing. The scene was rather limited and other than some blood washing away in the rain there wasn't that much to collect in the first place.

              Let's see. Martin's body was checked for drugs/alcohol, Zimmerman wasn't. At what point did a coroner become involved, or did he ever? Was there any attempt to detect powder burns on Martin? Angle of bullet entry? Blood on participants? Pictures of Zimmerman's wounds? All clothing preserved for evidence? I'm guessing that's just scratching the surface. Throw in Sanford's great rep, a DA showing up in the middle of the night (would like to know if that is his standard operating procedure) and overruling the lead investigator's recommendation, screams cut short by gunshot, Zimmerman's version of events versus reality (for starters death location vs. Zimmerman's version of being attacked en route to vehicle), and oh, by the way, one person (the instigator of the event) was armed, with a questionable history. As for the MySpace account, like everything else in this case, it is all hearsay/speculation. But the hearsay is that the account has been acknowledged by a family member as being Zimmerman's (after two denials) and that "datniggytb" is a nickname his black friends gave him, and the 'tb' stands for tugboat, a reference to his build. Perhaps, but curious, nonetheless.

              • 1 vote
              #62.9 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:58 PM EDT

              tibia the KKK wouldn't touch that INCA with a ten foot pole. Definite Incan build through the chest and nose. Give it a break you got a mestizo and a black no white guy involved. Yeah that deep chest is Peruvian Indian. Tibia DA's file charges not cops. DA's say if there is enough evidence to hold somebody not cops. Cops investigate DA's charge. You don't watch enough law and order.

              • 1 vote
              #62.10 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:38 AM EDT

              All we have is mutual restraining orders that have expired.

              Have they expired? My understanding is that in FL, it depends on whether the order is temporary or permanent. Permanent restraining orders have to be lifted by the court. If these were still in effect on Feb. 26th, Zimmerman was illegally carrying a weapon.

                #62.11 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 5:47 AM EDT

                flbikerchick

                All we have is mutual restraining orders that have expired.

                Have they expired? My understanding is that in FL, it depends on whether the order is temporary or permanent. Permanent restraining orders have to be lifted by the court. If these were still in effect on Feb. 26th, Zimmerman was illegally carrying a weapon.

                I know you have been here off and on since this story became "news" Widely reported that George has a CCW permit. Part of the permitting process is a background check. Any domestic orders or convictions would prevent him from even purchasing a gun never mind the POLICE issuing a CCW.

                  #62.12 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 6:36 AM EDT

                  tibiaornottibia

                  Let's see. Martin's body was checked for drugs/alcohol, Zimmerman wasn't.

                  On going investigation... we don't know if George was tested or not beyond visual. I will lean in your favor there that he most likely was not as he was only detained not arrested and those tests would require a warrant.

                  At what point did a coroner become involved, or did he ever?

                  Which morgue do you think they kept Trayvon in? Who do you think did the substance testing on Trayvon?

                  Was there any attempt to detect powder burns on Martin?

                  don't know... ask the Coroner. There WAS an autopsy. oh wait you don't think there was a Coroner involved but we know Trayvon was tested for drugs and alcohol.

                  Angle of bullet entry?

                  Autopsy. Apparently not in the back or George would not have been released that night.

                  Blood on participants?

                  Ongoing investigation... That sort of evidence comes out in court once a jury is seated so as to not taint the pool

                  Pictures of Zimmerman's wounds?

                  Ongoing investigation.

                  All clothing preserved for evidence?

                  Don't know... ongoing investigation.

                  I'm guessing that's just scratching the surface

                  screams cut short by gunshot,

                  Apparently you have never been around a gunshot at arms length? The sound is abrupt and would mask any trailing yells. IF it was Trayvon a shot in the chest would stop further sounds. IF it was George he would no longer have the need to yell.

                  with a questionable history.

                  They both had history... Trayvons more recently was negative. Georges recent history was positive compared to his past. Georges issues were 5 plus years behind him, Trayvons were days ago.

                  You are trying to convict by innuendo in the court of public opinion and media bias. Your morbid curiosity and inquisitive mind are normal. Most of the questions you have on evidence are RARELY made public until trial.

                  There is currently a gag directive in place by the prosecution to preserve the potential jury pool. Not all evidence makes it to trial. Only that evidence presented in trial is to be used by the jury. That is part of the process. Many cases get thrown out on appeal because non trial "evidence" is considered.... example would be Trayvons self published claim to have hit a bus driver. There is no evidence that event ever happened but could influence the jury into believing he was violent.

                  http://globalgrind.com/news/george-zimmermans-myspace-name-was-datniggytb-details

                  I see you are having issues with the myspace datniggytb thing. YOU tried to twist it one way with the TB being Trayvon Benjamin. Now it's tug boat? I love how the article I found says a family member confirmed it but remains anonymous for safety reasons... WHO is going to harm them for revealing that? I call BS on the source. That the myspace account disappeared on the day of arrest is suspicious in both directions. But lets take it at face value. If as reported it WAS Georges account it appears to have existed long before the incident. The supposed relative indicates that it was Georges Black friends that used the datniggytb nickname for George and he was ok with it.

                  Either way it seems datniggytb is much ado about NOTHING. It was either a fake account that myspace took down once they were made aware of it or it was Georges ID long before the event. It is not evidence of anything other than you or others trying to make it into something.

                    #62.13 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:15 AM EDT
                    Reply

                    By the way, if any of you get "Travoned" by a younger, tougher assailant who is on top of you, beating you and bent on bashing your skull open on concrete (those are the as-yet undisputed circumstances the victim alleges), will YOU lie there and die, or will you do everything in your power to stay alive, even if it means killing your assailant? Would you say, "If he were white, I would fight back, but since he's a black 'child' of only 17 I'm going to just ask him to stop lest one of us gets hurt?"

                    • 5 votes
                    Reply#63 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:43 PM EDT

                    "...as-yet undisputed circumstances..."

                    If they were undisputed, why is he under arrest, facing trial? I think the prosecutor's office is disputing Zimmerman's claims.

                    • 2 votes
                    #63.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:17 PM EDT

                    Comenzar, how many more ways are you going to try to justify Zimmerman's actions? And where did you get your fantasy version of the events?

                    • 2 votes
                    #63.2 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:19 PM EDT

                    MissC: It's pretty obvious to many why he was arrested...racially-motived pressure to calm things down, or for his own personal safety...are two out there totally different than yours.

                    Having been arrested for whatever reason, and being convicted are two different things..no matter how YOU PERSONALLY think the outcome should be!

                    • 2 votes
                    #63.3 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:45 PM EDT

                    When you execute the only witness, makes for a pretty good defense. "Who you gonna believe, me or the dead guy? Go ahead, ask him what happened."

                      #63.4 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:01 PM EDT

                      Annie, what's obvious to me is that the DA's office clearly has evidence that we, the general public, does not have. We would not have murder charges if she did not. You can't arrest someone just to make someone else "happy." It's against the law.

                      Yes, I'm glad Zimmerman was arrested. This needed to be dealt with in a court of law. I am also entitled to my opinion, as are you. That's what these boards are here for, to express opinions. As to why you keep attacking me for having and expressing my opinion, I have no idea.

                      • 2 votes
                      #63.5 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:10 PM EDT

                      MissC...It's obvious that you will only go by law that "goes your way", like when you recently said here that the OJ and Jackson trials were both "fair".

                      • 2 votes
                      #63.6 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:29 PM EDT

                      MissC: I'm not attacking you personally, merely expressing my opinion by disagreeing with your blatently racist opinions...using simple logic.

                      • 2 votes
                      #63.7 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:01 PM EDT

                      tibiaornottibia

                      When you execute the only witness, makes for a pretty good defense. "Who you gonna believe, me or the dead guy? Go ahead, ask him what happened."

                      I guess he missed a few WITNESSES. Two saw most of the fight, one or the other physically on top of the other, and were watching when the gun went off. They disagree on who was on top but agree there was a physical altercation when the gun fired. There are also several "ear" witnesses and recordings of the 9-1-1 calls. So that "shoots" down your execution of "only" witness.

                      • 1 vote
                      #63.8 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:22 PM EDT

                      Until it comes out at trial, will be interesting to see how those "other" witnesses play out. By all accounts I've read, they're sketchy/contradictory at best, and the "ear" witnesses and audio indicate somebody screaming, shots fired, and silence. Curiouser and curiouser... Armed wannbe stalks, pursues, gets involved in altercation, unarmed participant dead. Can't wait.

                      • 1 vote
                      #63.9 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:40 PM EDT

                      trust, only ONE witnessed has made public statements on what he told police. He told them that he saw Martin on top of Zimmerman. He did not observe the start of the altercation, nor did he say he witnessed the conclusion. Ear witnesses prove nothing either, and don't forget that two separate experts have analyzed the screams on the 911 tape and determined that it was NOT Zimmerman screaming.

                      • 2 votes
                      #63.10 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:45 PM EDT

                      @Annie

                      You are SO transparent. You are now saying that the OJ and Jackson trials were fair because they went by the law, but you WILL NOT STOP to try to make Z out to be guilty, and he hasn't even HAD a trial by the law!!!

                      This is an opinion board. I am allowed to share my opinions. I believe Zimmerman is guilty of at least manslaughter, and I share my interpretation of the facts available to me to demonstrate why I have that opinion. From a legal standpoint, those trials were far. Aren't all trials supposed to go by the law?

                      .It's obvious that you will only go by law that "goes your way", like when you recently said here that the OJ and Jackson trials were both "fair".

                      How is that only "going by law that goes my way?' People want to say that Zimmerman will be found guilty because the media has said so. Those trials I mentioned had just as much, if not more, media coverage, yet those people were found not guilty. I have faith in the justice system.

                      I'm not attacking you personally, merely expressing my opinion by disagreeing with your blatently racist opinions...

                      Wow, you say you're not personally attacking me, but yet you call me racist. How is what I've posted racist? Because I don't agree with you?

                      ..using simple logic.

                      There is nothing logical about what you've posted.

                      Oh, and Annie, here's one more personal opinion I have...you're a B!TCH!

                        #63.11 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:26 AM EDT

                        I'll do the same thing I did with the 5'11" 230lb ex husband kick his cojones into his throat. So all you tough guys better pick a different target I don't play nice.

                          #63.12 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:46 AM EDT

                          MissC: To you? Great! At least I am an informed one!

                          G'night.

                          • 1 vote
                          #63.13 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:52 AM EDT

                          raddave44

                          trust, only ONE witnessed has made public statements on what he told police.

                          I thought the same until yesterday when I was made aware of interviews on CNN earlier this month. She states the larger man was on top... She did not see George get up but presumes it was him on top because the "boy" was face down on the ground dead.

                          http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/07/video-eyewitness-to-the-trayvon-martin-shooting-speaks-out/

                            #63.14 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:21 AM EDT
                            Reply

                            Zimmerman is "white Hispanic." I wonder if Travyon is "white AfroAmerican." Obummber's "white African." Why did MSNBC choose to use those words? They didn't just "happen."

                            • 1 vote
                            Reply#64 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:17 PM EDT

                            Paul, apparently you've not been following this story. The Sanford Police department initially described Zimmerman as "white". He is. The media followed suit. A bunch of inbred yahoos started making a lot of noise about Zimmerman being Hispanic. He is also that. Eventually the media began adding that description. The race is relevant due to Sanford PD's past inactions regarding black victims, and because everyone in this country - including you - know that had Zimmerman been black and Martin white, Zimmerman would have been arrested on the spot.

                            • 4 votes
                            #64.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:23 PM EDT

                            PaulW: You have it much more right than YetAnotherRick, even if HE accused YOU of not "following the story."

                            You "get" the essence of the whole story...people like "Yet" do not!

                            • 2 votes
                            #64.2 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:52 PM EDT

                            No, Annie, you are the one's turning this into a racial issue by claiming that Hispanics can't be white.

                            • 2 votes
                            #64.3 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:12 PM EDT

                            Now THAT's a really intriguing NEW one, Rad. Thanks for giving me the laugh.

                            • 1 vote
                            #64.4 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:36 PM EDT

                            Gz is mixed race and Martin is Black so no Whites involved

                            • 1 vote
                            #64.5 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:50 AM EDT
                            Reply

                            @Cowboycjn, Typical white over privileged response, from a idiot racist. I will not indict all whites and say they are just like you, lets just talk about you. Why should any black leader defend Zimmerman when he is not white in the first place and even if he was white it would be the same question? Do you, KKK, white citizen council, Aryan groups come to black aid? Your superiority complex, makes you think blacks should still run to "ole massa" aid when he is killing them. Cold bloodied? the only evidence Zimmerman has is that he stalked pursued and killed a child for no proable cause than being black, then cowardly stood behind this racist"stand your ground law" everything Zimmerman has to say on what happened is conjectures and speculation. The police ignored the witnesses for Trayvon, that seen what happened. Obama expressed remorse like any black parent would for a child that looks like theirs. He would do the same for any child,he has a dual heritage a white mother.something that you despise. Just because you don't like blacks,don't make it racist because they stand in solidarity. Isn't solidarity a concept you belive whites should do,right or wrong, so whats the problem?

                            • 2 votes
                            Reply#65 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:46 PM EDT

                            -Brotherscoe---Why don't you look up some statistics? Try the DOJ. In 2009 white murder victims of blacks was 454. Black victims of whites was 209. Blacks are just 13% of the population but killed more than twice as many whites as whites killed blacks. In 2010 blacks committed 5,890 murders compared to whites 5,286 murders-- blacks still only 13% of the population. Factoring for the numbers blacks are 7x's more likely to commit murder than are people of other races, is that what you call solidarity?

                            • 1 vote
                            #65.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:02 PM EDT

                            Well this white is going to give you a little history lesson. You can take your 400 years BS and stick it where the sun don't shine because 400 years ago this whites ancestors were only concerned about hanging on to our land, title and local autonomy over our people Poles. while trying to keep the Germans, Russians and Swedes from taking it all. And I may owe an apology to some people for my ancestors keeping them in servitude but it ain't you dog. So anybody from Grujancz Poland I'm sorry but we didn't think you wanted us to drag your sons off to battle in wars we couldn't win. 126 years ago my idiot great grandfather got disinherited and kicked out of Grujancz for marrying the wrong girl. We haven't had enough power since to affect anybodies life except our own. So you can stuff your I owe you something attitude.

                            • 1 vote
                            #65.2 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:00 AM EDT
                            Reply

                            just how in hell is anyone gonna be on the jury and live happily ever after if Zim is found not guilty? seems as if he has already been accepted by the DA as not guilty....but it don't fit with whats wanted.

                            • 2 votes
                            Reply#66 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:48 PM EDT

                            Yeah, like the DA's got the final say. Showed up in the middle of the night to override the lead investigator's recommendation. Hmmm....stinks like an old white hooded sheet.

                            • 3 votes
                            #66.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:03 PM EDT

                            tibia - once again I will jump in because your remarks are so over the top they force a reasoned person to comment. You are accusing the District Attorney (whom I don't know and I am sure you do not know either) of being racist, because he made a judgment call on charging someone. There are a lot of reasons why he might have made the decision NOT to pursue charges at that time and the LEAST likely is that it was racially motivated. Unproven accusations like that should be considered SLANDER and you should have to answer for that.

                            I say not-tibia.

                            • 5 votes
                            #66.2 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:29 PM EDT

                            Jeff - Questioning why he showed up in the middle of the night. Was that standard procedure? Would like to see his track record in such cases. Your presumption that his decision was least likely racially motivated is more of a stretch than my "accusation" (there is no accusation, just an observation and opinion), given Sanford's less than stellar reputation, and the circumstances of this case.

                            I say Hen"duh,son"

                            • 2 votes
                            #66.3 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:39 PM EDT

                            tibiaornottibia

                            This could be a large part of not pressing charges that evening

                            (3) The court shall award reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, compensation for loss of income, and all expenses incurred by the defendant in defense of any civil action brought by a plaintiff if the court finds that the defendant is immune from prosecution as provided in subsection (1).

                            Why risk putting the county on the hook for untold damages when they could arrest him later. They don't resolve homicide investigations in hours like on CSI Miami. It can take weeks yet the parents were chomping at the bit and got the media starved "reverends" involved just over two weeks later.

                              #66.4 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:31 PM EDT

                              trust_verify

                              Perhaps that's why there was such thorough diligence in examining Martin's corpse for evidence, and notifying his parents. Again, was any clothing collected for evidence? Pictures taken of wounds allegedly sustained? If not for social media, Martin would have been long forgotten. Even if $ were motivation for not arresting Zimmerman, the lack of diligence (being charitable - wonder, duh, had the victim been white, if there would have been more diligence) has an odor about it. I would like to know details, but on the face of it, can't imagine he'll walk.

                              • 2 votes
                              #66.5 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:08 PM EDT

                              In most areas a junior DA is always on call for things like that. In really small towns they call the city judge at home. As in I got arrested on a Sunday evening they called the city judge and he set bail over the phone and court for 5:30pm the next day. When he threw the case out of court ten minutes in.

                                #66.6 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:07 AM EDT

                                tibiaornottibia

                                Perhaps that's why there was such thorough diligence in examining Martin's corpse for evidence, and notifying his parents.

                                A routine autopsy includes tests for drugs/alcohol. An autopsy has set standards in a homicide, whether justified or not.

                                His father was notified the next day once they were able to locate him. Trayvon was identified in time to make it to the reports filed just after 2 in the morning. The where abouts of the father would not be known to police as he was visiting his fiancee and not home. When police were notified by the father that Trayvon was missing they sent an officer out, showed him a photo of Trayvon and notified him of the events. What more would you like on that one?

                                Again, was any clothing collected for evidence? Pictures taken of wounds allegedly sustained?

                                Part of an ongoing investigation.. Do you really believe they have released ALL the evidence they have before trial? Especially since there is a prosecution order to stop ALL release of information so she can present a valid case in court.

                                But again the injuries... go read the law. There is no requirement to BE injured, only a reasonable belief it is imminent. Search for the links yourself (florida statutes 776) or ask and I will re re re re re re post them. The apparent injuries issue has gotten older than the story itself.

                                • 1 vote
                                #66.7 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:37 AM EDT
                                Reply

                                O.J. went by the same laws whites have been using for years in court. DNA has exonerated many blackmen from prison, that over zealous prosecutors place them there. Remember the made up lies whites told about blacks killing their kids,raping them,killing their spouse and it was found through investigation they are their white lover was really guilty. So not all black crime against whites is accurate.

                                  Reply#67 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:03 PM EDT

                                  @Grishnak, blacks just have to defend themselves that much harder since they represent the underdog. You only count numbers, but not the reasons of slanted discrimination of arrest practice against blacks and no arrest for whites like in Zimmermans case. If it wasn't for public pressure, he still be running around enjoying freedom like your murderous ancestors did in slavery,segregation,RIGHT NOW!

                                  • 2 votes
                                  Reply#68 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:14 PM EDT

                                  Yes...public pressure for "LYNCHING"...promoted by the infamous race-baiters who make their living from keeping racial problems alive and well...not to mention VERY public figures TOTALLY inapproproiately weighing in on it BEFORE ANY TRIAL!!! It is STILL not known why he was REALLY arrested, and may have been for his own protection, or smply to quiet things down.

                                  This Public Defender has a lot of explaining to do. It will all come out...unfortunately not to all of your liking.

                                  Please get over the ancient history of "slavery," and stop using it as an excuse for all you problems. It's never been in our lifetimes. Blacks are more fairly treated here now than anywhere. It's certainly not "a day at the beach" here for whites now, either.

                                  The 'Truth" shall set you free...info' available all over the I-net.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #68.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:46 PM EDT

                                  Really? You are bringing up ancestors of people who may or may not have owned slaves? I can assure you that my family never owned a slave.

                                  As for your "underdog" theory, the population percentages matter not a whit when two people are involved in an altercation. At that point in time, it is one on one.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #68.2 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:49 PM EDT

                                  He might be but much of the evidence has been compromised. The only evidence we can be sure hasn't been tainted is the EMT's report. And that only because they followed HIPPA rules. Can you be sure that the original 911 tape has never been out of the hands of the Sanford police? See my previous post dog I owe you absolutly nothing unless your family is from Grujancz Poland. I hate to tell you dog but most of the white people you will meet in your life are descended from people who entered the United States between 1880 and 1920. That for your information is 15 years after the civil war. And most of those people lived in northern cities.

                                    #68.3 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:17 AM EDT
                                    Reply

                                    brotherscoe-- My, Keepers of the Eastern Door (Mohawk), ancestors would be unhappy with your statement. At times they were muderous, may have taken captives from other tribes, but segregation- that's low. But I had nothing to do with it. This continued blame of people today for what happened in the past is getting no one anything. I am concerned with how people behave in a way that makes other people want to get as far away from them as possible and then blame that behavior on someone else. Why don't you listen to Cosby and Williams rather than phoney "leaders" with outdated and self-serving agendas

                                    • 3 votes
                                    Reply#69 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:38 PM EDT

                                    I have to laugh about all the idiot posters here that complain about this site. If you don't like how they report their BS, then why, 1st read it, and 2nd why post here? Don't you idiots have something else to do? I'm sure the Faux Noise site would love your comments.

                                    Will Zimmerman get a fair trial, not in that area, probably not in the whole state of FL. I say move it to a different state, away from the red neck bigots, and away from the black community. It can be done, if they want a fair trial. Until then he maybe screwed by the bigots from both sides.

                                    • 1 vote
                                    Reply#70 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:31 PM EDT

                                    sallyann-- i take offense... redneck is a compound word... no space needed. lol

                                    • 1 vote
                                    #70.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:39 PM EDT

                                    Sallyann while you may think you are a nice lady you had better say redneck in the right tone of voice here. Because in the wrong tone of voice it is as racist as the N word. A bigoted Black person is no better than a bigoted White person.

                                      #70.2 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:22 AM EDT
                                      Reply

                                      She's pretty damn hot for a judge.

                                      • 2 votes
                                      Reply#71 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:36 PM EDT

                                      sallyann--i forgot to ask... what do you mean? are the redneck bigots for the hispanic or black boy? because i see a win either way, baby.

                                        Reply#72 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:42 PM EDT

                                        It is clear Mr. Zimmerman's attorneys contacted the law firm in order to get rid of the judge they did not want. It is also clear, it should be a first degree muder case instead of a second degree murder case. Before he got the opportunity to kill this lad: It was reported; he went to the homes of people after the police had left and gave them his phone number: telling them next time they saw something or had a problem in the neighborhood to call him instead of the police. He should not be allowed to claim self defence; it was the lad, who was protected by the Florida "Stand Your Ground Law, not Mr. Zimmerman. The buises on Mr. Zimmerma are not consistant with being punched in the face nor having ones head beat upon the ground. Ther was no damage to his face. If his head would have been slammed against the ground, the bruise would have been round and on the lower back area of his head. Mr. Zimmerman had a long narrow bruise on the upper back of the head and boken bone in his nose with no bruising around it. Both of these injuries could only come from a pipe or a gun barrel. There was no pipe. Mr. Zimmerman was the only person there, who was in control of the gun.

                                        • 1 vote
                                        Reply#73 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:52 PM EDT

                                        "Wow it is clear to you but it is sure disobvious to me. Non-obvious? Subobvious?" (Charles Schultz)

                                        1-I am sure your "expert" analysis of the forensic evidence will be appreciated at trial. Ridiculous claims that have no support.

                                        2-Second degree murder will be nearly impossible to convict on. First degree - you have to show premeditation - there is no evidence of that.

                                        3-You have no clue what "Stand Your Ground" even means.

                                        4-You claim Zimmerman's attorney contacted the law firm as a ploy? The incidents that led to the judge recusing herself occurred before he was Zimmerman's attorney. You don't have much of a brain do you?

                                        I even think Zimmerman is probably guilty, but you have no clue what you are talking about.

                                        • 2 votes
                                        #73.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:43 PM EDT
                                        Reply

                                        Racism, acknowledged or denied and whitewashed will rear it's ugly face in this trial. All racism in the US was and continues to be abetted in our country by law enforcement and the judicial system. With Zimmerman's father being a member of the Judiciary in our country makes him a member of that clique. Member's of cliques are hell bent on doing favors for each other. For this reason the FBI needs to investigate the Sanford Police Department as well as District Attorney Wolfinger for their part in releasing Zimmerman. Acquittals and charge reductions are part of G Zimmerman's police record. Each charge altered or dismissed. Why? What strings were pulled behind the scene? The media that are filing their demand for unsealing the case records need to press on. If they do not succeed there will be ample room for foul play and again Justice will be denied.

                                        • 2 votes
                                        Reply#74 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:04 PM EDT

                                        Sam: Sounds like you know all there is to know about "racism!"

                                        • 1 vote
                                        #74.1 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:42 PM EDT

                                        Yes well the police are likely to show favoritism to people that have been arrested for assaulting an officer. All the cops around here throw parties for them.

                                        • 1 vote
                                        #74.2 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:45 PM EDT

                                        Your dumb.

                                          #74.3 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 12:13 AM EDT

                                          I really laugh when I see posts like - "your dumb." My dumb what - following response?

                                            #74.4 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 12:38 AM EDT

                                            You mean abetted by law enforcement like Eric Holder a racist of the first order.

                                            • 1 vote
                                            #74.5 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:24 AM EDT

                                            P cartier

                                            Your dumb.

                                            You are. You're.

                                            And in the days of yore, your teacher taught how to construct contractions such as you're.

                                              #74.6 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:44 AM EDT
                                              Reply

                                              BIG WHOOP! Stop reporting on this and let the damned thing take it's course PLEASE!!!

                                              All your doing here is giving the racists a chance to rant since if they said these things on the streets, they'd probably get their asses kicked...by whites and blacks!

                                              • 2 votes
                                              Reply#75 - Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:29 PM EDT

                                              I am amazed of the pure ignorance posted hear. One should do a little home work on a subject before making a statement on which one has no clue. Like police are the only ones that have a right to pursue. Any one can do that but it is not advisable. If someone crabs your wallet and runs you are certainly within in right to pursue. One can even make a citizens arrest, but this to should be done at the aid of trained law enforcement. There is conflict of interest in the case and it is only appropriate to step down.

                                                Reply#76 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 12:12 AM EDT

                                                Check out the interview with Allen Dershowitz.I know you " WE WANTS JUSTICE " people don t know who he is but, check him and the interview he gave out...You just might learn something..

                                                The judge did the right thing and Zimmermans Lawyer is claiming his territory

                                                ZIMMERMAN WILL GO FREE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  Reply#77 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 3:00 AM EDT

                                                  I live in Florida. Trust me, there are more than a significant number of morons in Florida. It will be very difficult to find jurors that will decide the case based upon what they see and hear in the court room. The south has a long, sordid history of jury nullification in cases were there are racial differences.

                                                    Reply#78 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 4:06 AM EDT

                                                    Whoever the Judge and Jury in this case Dosen't Matters anymore.

                                                    Here the case facts,

                                                    Now being refers to 150 millions adult Americans as the final ultimate Judges and Juries in cases that involves National Interest .

                                                    All future cases ,involving National Interest shall be the duty of American's Public reviews as the final ultimate Jury ,as all currently the present learned Judges and juries bound to make judgments not on law but "POLITICAL" view as it own personal's Partisan believes.You cant put the country future (that live or death) jeopardise the fabric of American society just relay on 1 single partisan Judge hand and 10 with partisan juries to decides on issues require involving the National interest,it requires ULTIMATE justice.

                                                    All these learned Judges duty now,is to sentence Zimmerman as according,what the finding required.Since the "Americans Public"conclusion has been melted out to him.

                                                    The final result of Public Americans, 75% concluded and agreed that

                                                    George Zimmerman is GUILTY as charge with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.


                                                    Any Judgment defers, will be treated by the Public as the Kangaroo Court.

                                                      Reply#79 - Thu Apr 19, 2012 5:52 AM EDT
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