Florida judge rejects Zimmerman request to remove GPS monitor

A Florida judge struck down George Zimmerman's plea to be removed from GPS monitoring while he remains free on bond awaiting trial in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

A Florida judge denied a motion Tuesday to allow George Zimmerman to remove his GPS monitoring device and allow him to travel or live outside Seminole County, Fla.

Zimmerman, 29, has been confined to Seminole County under a $1 million bond since July, when a judge concluded that Zimmerman provided false information about his assets and was a flight risk.

The defense said that due to the high-profile nature of his case, Zimmerman has been forced to live in hiding. If he were allowed to move, he could possibly live more openly, his attorney argued.

“He shouldn’t have to be in hiding,” attorney Mark O’Mara said.

O'Mara argued that the restrictions on Zimmerman made it difficult for him to meet with his defense team, expert witnesses and investigators.

Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda opposed the motion, suggesting that Zimmerman had voluntarily brought himself to the media’s attention. He added, sarcastically, that the defendant had come to court to “sign autographs.”

The next hearing has not been definitively scheduled, but it could be between early January and March.

A former neighborhood watch volunteer, Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the killing of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin.

He has pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense under Florida's "stand your ground" law.

Zimmerman, who is of Latino descent, is charged with shooting and killing Martin, 17, who was African-American, on Feb. 26 in Sanford. He faces trial June 10. The case became a rallying point for activists protesting what they said was the targeting of an unarmed black youth because of his race.

Pool via Orlando Sentinel/AP

George Zimmerman, left, sits with defense counsel at the Seminole County courthouse Tuesday in Sanford, Fla.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Comment author avatarMark L.-838207Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

Ok, time to open up discussion to a bunch of people who weren't at the crime scene, aren't judges, police, lawyers, and haven't seen all the evidence from either side to start calling each other names becuase they think Zimmerman is guilty/innocent/whatever.

At some point, someone will call someone else who believes differently a racist/idiot/Zimmerman-lover-or-hater. Someone will volunteer to hang him from a tree, and someone else will think he is a hero.

Eventually, someone will blame the Republicans or Obama for this, and probably at least one clueless soul will use this thread to Spam us for something product they are shilling.

  • 46 votes
#1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:20 AM EST

And your opinion of the judges decision was what?

  • 15 votes
#1.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:24 AM EST

sorry for the typos...

My opinion is that I'm not a judge, I don't have in front of me what he saw, so I can't comment or question his decision as I do not have all the facts.

I can't do brain surgery or play a violin either. I leave that to qualified people. However, I'd bet a safe $10 that there will be plenty of people below who are certain that they know enough about this case to convict or exonerate him, and I think that is foolish.

Actually, I didn't even get to finish editing my post before someone did just that!

  • 6 votes
#1.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:26 AM EST

You're right, Mark. Of course, the arm-chair Sherlocks and racists on both sides will never understand this. They think they know it all because of the sensationalistic media reporting we've all been inundated with. Which leads to this:

"The case became a rallying point for activists protesting what they said was the targeting of an unarmed black youth because of his race." Seems like the sensationalist media outlets are trying to distance themselves from some of the damage they caused with their yellow journalism. "...what THEY said..." should be changed to "...what WE said...".

  • 5 votes
#1.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:32 AM EST

Look, GZ has already been caught lying and saying he had only 1 passport, he spoke in code over the phone from his cell to his wife to hide $ he raised saying he didn't have it and "NOW, he want the pretty little anklet with GPS taken off.

Hmmmmm. Nope! Plain and simple.

Since it was put on, he had "plenty" of free time to set up his flight out of the Country. If there are illegal aliens here, what makes anyone think they can't illegally sneak into Mexico. WTF is this guy thinking anyway!

It'll all come out in the wash when they make their final verdict. This will shut half the people up who either convicted him or say he's innocent before the trial.

  • 35 votes
#1.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:33 AM EST

You pretty much summed it up. Thanks for the Cliff's Notes. I will now sit back and watch with amusement how well you predicted this.

  • 6 votes
#1.5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:33 AM EST

As far as this decision goes, the judge is correct. Creek Dog summed it up pretty well. You can not present false information to the judge and then expect him to trust you.

  • 33 votes
#1.6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:38 AM EST
Comment author avatarIXLR8Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

Relax GZ, you will be taking that Carribean vacation this summer after Not-Guilty is read. I just hope all the brothers don't burn their own hoods down.

  • 8 votes
#1.7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:40 AM EST

Why not let him move to another county? Just keep the GPS tracker on so he can't run away.

  • 2 votes
#1.8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:40 AM EST

One thing is for sure. Even if he is acquitted he will never truly be free or safe in this country. There are too many people who think this guy is guiltier than OJ Simpson. I have a feeling more than a few of them would be more than happy to get justice for Trayvon one way or another. Both parties would have been better off if George Zimmerman had just stayed in his car. Of course many will say Trayvon should have "kept to his place" and never been in the neighborhood but Trayvon had just as much right to be there as George Zimmerman.

And if this is a jury trial and you are a registered voter Mark L. your just as qualified as every member of the jury that is picked since that's the only requirement for you to be in a jury pool.

  • 5 votes
#1.9 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:51 AM EST

The guy got everything he wanted initially. A nominal bond and free reign--no restraints, see ya at the trial. But then it was discovered that the dude and his family lied about his finances and passports. That's his fault, not the fault of a dead kid who he killed for not committing any crime and not having any weapons on him. I guess people think we should all shoot kids who aren't committing crimes or carrying weapons...just because we think they have the potential to break the law. Forget the police--we can all individually be judge, jury, and executioner in one fell blow. Excuse me while I go out and find someone I find suspicious, follow them, and if they get upset about that, shoot them dead.

And, by the way, people got upset because the law just took Zimmerman's word for everything and let him go. Not many people can kill an unarmed child who's not breaking any laws or carrying any weapons and get a pass.

  • 26 votes
#1.10 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:58 AM EST

SLNH,
He's guilty...of being stupid.

Let's be real here. He has been doing stupid sh!t since this whole thing started. I'm not surprised the judge doesn't trust him, he ran once already. He concealed money, he lied to officials.

My question to the rest of you: if he didn't have anything to hide, why would he have done the things he's done since the killing?

I'm not making a judgement here, just agreeing with the judge. He may be innocent until proven guilty, but he hasn't been acting very innocent. The smartest thing he could do at this point is, dump the wife. She is not doing him any favors.

  • 21 votes
#1.11 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:08 PM EST

My guess is GZ thought Trayvon was breaking the Florida law of "walking home while black", and went after him. I hope he burns!!

  • 13 votes
#1.12 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:17 PM EST

Military Man,

Please do clarify the statement "he ran once already"? Last time I checked he has never once attempted to evade any part of the process or appearance in court. Granted he has made some poor personal decisions such as not disclosing the amount of donations he had recieved to retain council.

And wow, you think he should divorce his wife because she "isn't doing him any favors" while keeping him in hiding while he awaits trial? Seriously?

  • 4 votes
#1.13 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:22 PM EST

You pretty much summed it up. Thanks for the Cliff's Notes. I will now sit back and watch with amusement how well you predicted this.

Not really. He's just another person who sets himself up as superior to the rest of us. Just because someone isn't a lawyer or a judge doesn't mean that we have zero understanding of the law. People aren't nearly as easily divided as he would like to think.

What he doesn't understand is that people ARE capable of thinking, and can and often do have valid opinions. If he really was the sort of person he pretends to be, he wouldn't have posted anything at all. We would never have heard from him.

  • 9 votes
#1.14 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:30 PM EST

I do have an opinion even as I wasn't there or have all the information. I see him as guilty as hell even as I admit I haven't heard the dead kid's side of the story and never will. I've heard plenty from the killer.

What I do know is that Zimmerman killed the innocent kid because he made a stupid move to interfere with someone's personal liberty without any authority to do so and was advised to leave it to the police. He will have to be kept from running away so he can get a fair trial.

Lucky for him it wasn't my son he killed.

  • 18 votes
#1.15 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:31 PM EST

Mark L.-838207~~This is an opinion (which we all have one) forum, open for all opinions. If we didn't post our opinions, then you wouldn't have to post your opinion. I will now post my opinion, which is not based on race at all. Not only Zimmerman, but also, the NRA, for encouraging the stand your ground law, Jeb Bush, for signing the stand your ground law, all have blood on their hands. Our society has become un-civil, to the point of going hunting with intent to kill, for whatever reason they choose and call it stand your ground. That is barbaric.

  • 12 votes
#1.16 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:34 PM EST

Good decision by the judge, bad decision by the defense to even file the motion.

O'Mara and Zimmeman got spanked.

  • 18 votes
#1.17 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:49 PM EST

GreatGran,

Yup, opinions are like A-holes.........we all have one.

Our society has become un-civil, to the point of going hunting with intent to kill, for whatever reason they choose and call it stand your ground. That is barbaric.

Don't stereotype. There are stupid moronic people out there that don't understand certain laws to even know how to abide by them. You're insinuating that our entire society is barbaric. "Wrong"

Ban the Moronic @!$%#s in this Country and 90% of our problems will go away. This includes the deficit.

Have a nice day...

CD

  • 3 votes
#1.18 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:51 PM EST

Mark L.-838207

You sir, are intelligent! :) Glad to see some people still have brains!!

  • 1 vote
#1.19 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:52 PM EST

Pippo, Keep to the opinion part, that's fine.

What you do "know", has not presented as fact as of yet and is opinion also.

  • 2 votes
#1.20 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:52 PM EST

I'm NOT going to comment on his guilt or innocence. Not for me to decide.

What I AM going to comment on is how funny I think it is that those that want all the Mexicans in this country to go back to Mexico, and then when there is a possibility that one WILL they cry about it.

Just a tongue in cheek observation. Nothing more, nothing less.

  • 3 votes
#1.21 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:11 PM EST

@ Mark,you forgot something.At some point someone will call Trayvon a THUG.

  • 5 votes
#1.22 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:18 PM EST

Some Lame Name Here you are wrong on both. OJ was found not guilt and moved about his daily life after just fine.

AND if you have posted any opinions in any forums you would be disqualified from serving on the jury. So, just being a registered voter does not mean you are now qualified to serve on a jury. If someone was a registered voter and also a member of the KKK would they be qualified to serve on the jury of a trial for a black citizen?

Pippo Schillaci : Try DECAF, enough said.

  • 2 votes
#1.23 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:22 PM EST

zimmerman is a immature young adult, playing policeman; got caught up in something he could not handle, a tradgey occurred; however with the evidence out there, so far, there will be no conviction.

    #1.24 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:41 PM EST

    If someone was a registered voter and also a member of the KKK would they be qualified to serve on the jury of a trial for a black citizen?

    That would be determined during the jury selection. I suspect a pre-emptive challenge by the defense attorney would settle issue that pretty quickly.

    • 3 votes
    #1.25 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:49 PM EST

    The judge made the right call here. Zimmerman has already demonstrated to the court that he can not be trusted. hen he was initially released on bail he did not have the ankle monitor. The ankle monitor was only made a requirement of his bail after he was caught lying about how much money he had and lying about having a second passport to the court. These were not unintentional oversights, these were deliberate attempts at deception as shown by his talking in code to his wife about the money. As for his problems going about in public, he also brought this on himself. As the old saying goes, you reap what you sow.

    • 13 votes
    #1.26 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:52 PM EST

    @Creek Dwag --- you're exactly wrong. But you missed some of it.

    1) Zimmerman has retained his Peruvian citizenship and informed the court otherwise. He answered the question about family in other countries as "N/A."

    2) Zimmerman failed to disclose that he had a current Peruvian passport. He had taken it out of a safety deposit box, showing that he was at least thinking about using it.

    3) Zimmerman has two copies of his US passport. He had to declare the first "lost" to obtain the second. This is in itself a felony. When this happens accidentally, you are supposed to return the "lost" passport if it is found. This passport was also taken out of a safety deposit box.

    4) His undisclosed assets included moving considerable amounts into cash in his wife's possession in addition to moving money into her credit union account. He even mentioned it as "traveling money" in his bizarre "coded" conversations with his wife.

    All of this makes it look very much like Zimmerman was planning to skip bail, leave his family holding the bag, and go to live with his mother's relatives in Peru (which has noi extridition treaty with this country.) I certainly do not blame the judge for wanting to keep very close tabs on Zimmerman. This is not so much a decision by the judge as a direct result of his own illegal actions without regard to his guilt in the Martin shooting.

    But this is also a good indication of how Zimmerman and his attorneys are coming across to the judge. Not good at all for Zimmerman. This is the kind of motion that defense attorneys use to test the waters to try to estimate how worthwhile a plea bargain might be.

    Personally, I think that Zimmerman's lawyers will go for a guilty plea with a minimal jail sentence. But I don't think the prosecutor will go for it since a plea bargain would leave too many unanswered questions. I think that the two most telling witnersses against Zimmerman will be the two state legislators who wrote the "stand your ground" law and will testify (they have already created affidavits) that they never intended this sort of situation, where the proximal threat was generated by the shooter. That is, they will testify that for the purposes of legislative intent, the shooting does not meet the standard necessary for the SYG defense. If such is ruled in a trial, I would expect an immediate plea bargain attempt by Zimmerman.

    • 12 votes
    #1.27 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:07 PM EST

    So Mark, what you're basically saying is that different people have different opinions on things? Everyone except for you, that is. I am sure you wait to form an opinion on anything until all of the factual information is available.

    Oh, wait, you just made a blanket statement about an entire community of users who you do not know personally. What's particularly funny about your post is that you were criticizing others for making blanket statements about people they do not know personally.

    Way to get the ball rolling!

    • 4 votes
    #1.28 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:10 PM EST

    Does George have Peruvian citizenship or is he just entitled to it through his mother being Peruvian?

      #1.29 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:14 PM EST

      AG99 said:

      Why not let him move to another county? Just keep the GPS tracker on so he can't run away.

      Per this line in the article;

      O'Mara argued that the restrictions on Zimmerman made it difficult for him to meet with his defense team, expert witnesses and investigators.

      How would taking off the ankle bracelet and moving to a different county facilitate meeting with defense team and investigators who are in this county?

      • 7 votes
      #1.30 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:19 PM EST

      I think Zimmerman is lucky to be out on bail, especially considering he's accused of "murder".

      I'm with "Creek Dog 1.4".

      • 5 votes
      #1.31 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:44 PM EST

      Elephat guy, #1.27

      So, what's your point?!I have a life outside of this story and don't need to know too many details. Reiterate what you think was "incorrect". And, by the looks of your comment, you have too much time on your hands brotha...

      Have a nice day...................and a few peanuts..on me.

      Thanks American Girl. ;-)

      CD

      • 2 votes
      #1.32 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:49 PM EST

      Amanda: I thought he wanted to move out of the county so he wouldn't have to be in hiding.

      The defense said that due to the high-profile nature of his case, Zimmerman has been forced to live in hiding. If he were allowed to move, he could possibly live more openly, his attorney argued.

      • 3 votes
      #1.33 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:51 PM EST

      "Stand your Ground" does not apply when you are pinned flat on your back

        #1.34 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:15 PM EST

        AG99:

        No matter where Zimmerman goes in this country, from now until the end of his life, he will never be able to live 'openly'. His face is too well-known, he is too easily recognizable, his actions are a matter of public record. he will spend the rest of his life in 'hiding', or watching over his shoulder for vigilante justice.

        Although Martin was the one who physically died that night, in a sense, George Zimmerman died that night too. He will never be 'free'. His life, as he knew it, is over, and that GPS bracelet on his ankle is not going to make a difference. He's never going to be able to escape the consequences of his own actions or his own conscience, and I firmly believe that at this point in time, he wholeheartedly regrets what he did and, if he could go back to that night with the full knowledge of what his decisions will eventually cost him and his family, he wouldn't make the same decisions. (Thank the Goddess he does not have children, can you imagine what they would be going through right now?)

        Whether a human court will find him guilty or innocent, only time will tell. But Zimmerman's own conscience will tell him if he is guilty or not, and in the end, when the Great Equalizer comes for him, he will have to answer to that Final Authority who will not be swayed by legal arguments, who will not be misled by media reports, and on that day Zimmerman will get exactly what he deserves, no more and no less.

        And all of our words here on this message page will make not one single tiny bit of difference on that day.

        • 4 votes
        #1.35 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:31 PM EST

        George's "ground" was his vehicle. He wasn't standing his ground. He was leaving his ground in order to pursue a 17 year old that was moving in a direction away from him and therefore, posing no immediate threat to Zimmerman's safety.

        Can't stand your ground and leave your ground at the same time.

        • 9 votes
        #1.36 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:31 PM EST

        TO: AG99 who wrote:

        "... I thought he wanted to move out of the county so he wouldn't have to be in hiding."

        Everybody around the country knows who Zimmerman is and what he's accused of doing, especially in Florida.

        Being that Zimmerman is out on bail, he's not exactly a "free man", he's still basically "in custody".

        It's probably actually "safer" for him with the ankle thing cause he can make it go off and the cops will come running.

        One thing for sure, he can't be "kidnapped" or anything so long as he has it on.

        • 2 votes
        #1.37 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:38 PM EST

        Creek Dog, #1.32
        You pretty much blew any credibility you had with that smug, antagonistic response to Chris-749391 at #1.27 who actually made very valid and well supported points. You came across as completely childish and judgmental just because it was pointed out that you were previously wrong and Chris had more information than you cared to find for yourself. Some of us having lives still like to have all the information pertaining to a matter before offering our own position, unlike you apparently, who seems to think, because you

        have a life

        that you are entitled to a free pass to opine with half the information and still have your opinion be valid. Sorry but it doesn't work that way and all of us who have been forcibly exposed to your self-aggrandizement are 10% dumber for our troubles, thanks for wasting our time with your mindless word drool.

        • 3 votes
        #1.38 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:32 PM EST

        #1

        Well, .....yes.

        Periodically one does see some genuine intellect and insight, but those are usually the posts that have no replies.

          #1.39 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:46 PM EST

          This is going on in the state of Florida, all know how wacky that place is!

          • 3 votes
          #1.40 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:09 PM EST

          I would bet the farm that Zimmerman is found not guilty.

            #1.41 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 10:36 PM EST

            I do love all the lawyers here who think they know something. Sorry leaving his car is not illegal and assaulting someone because you "Feel" that they are following you IN PUBLIC is absoutely illegal. This isn't hard people. Whine/moan and complain about the money and the passports all you want and IGNORE the fact this "kid" could have been home a long time before the incident IN PUBLIC took place. Forget who followed who and who did what. That is irrelavant. Who started the confrontation? Well according to most evidence is was Trayvon? Who has physical signs of the altercation. Hmm well it was George Zimmerman. All these fools (and yes I call them fools) that say George had no right to stand his ground because he got ouot of his car have no idea what the law is or how it applies. I'm not going to bother debating this because nothing will change the opinion of these fools. God himself could come down with a video and say "George did nothing wrong" and still 25 of you would say "Well screw god im an atheist and what does he know".

              #1.42 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:01 PM EST

              dan123123123

              I do love all the lawyers here who think they know something.

              If you were open to different opinions instead of being a Zimmerman supporter you might learn somethiing.

              Sorry leaving his car is not illegal

              But leaving your car with intent is the pertinent fact.

              When Zimmerman left home that day he knew that he had a gun in his possession.

              That one fact shapes the rest of the interaction, from start to finish.

              If you know that you have a gun you can control how you approach an incident, the type and rules of interaction and, in what way you will allow the interaction to manifest.

              To paraphrase what Rod Sterling said about the "Twilight Zone"

              "Zimmerman controlled the horizontal, Zimmerman controlled the vertical".

              By having a gun in his possession he transgressed against both local and national Community Watch rules and guidelines.

              By getting out of his vehicle he transgressed more local and national Community Watch Rules which are "To observe and report".

              By getting out of his vehicle in possession of a weapon he has an extra duty of care in the use of the weapon.

              "Stand you Ground" does not equate to vigilante justice, even in Florida.

              Trayvon Martin was not doing anything illegal.

              and assaulting someone because you "Feel" that they are following you IN PUBLIC is absoutely illegal.

              And since it can be positively proved that Zimmerman was not close to his car that Trayvon Martin's fear of being followed was true. It is also true that Zimmerman was close enough to Trayvon martin that he could not have been "standing his ground".

              And

              You have absolutely no evidence that the events happened the way you have described

              This isn't hard people. Whine/moan and complain about the money and the passports all you want and IGNORE the fact this "kid" could have been home a long time before the incident IN PUBLIC took place.

              It was 7:00 P.M. on sunday evening. Trayvon Martin was walking home from the 7-11 after buying Skittles for his brother and a Arizona Iced Tea for himself at the halftime of the NBA Allstar game.

              Forget who followed who and who did what. That is irrelavant.

              It's "irrelevant" and "who followed who" is the set of facts that set up the event.

              Who started the confrontation? Well according to most evidence is was Trayvon?

              Link or be known to be prevaricating. There are no witnesses who claim that the incident was initiated by Trayvon Martin.

              Who has physical signs of the altercation. Hmm well it was George Zimmerman.

              I would think that bullet holes in his body are an indication of "signs of an altercation".

              All these fools (and yes I call them fools) that say George had no right to stand his ground because he got ouot of his car have no idea what the law is or how it applies. I'm not going to bother debating this because nothing will change the opinion of these fools. God himself could come down with a video and say "George did nothing wrong" and still 25 of you would say "Well screw god im an atheist and what does he know".

              Getting out of a car can be interpreted many ways depending on the totality of the sum of the evidence.

              He has absolutely no reason to get out of his vehicle.

              Trayvon Martin was not fleeing from a crime scene.

              Trayvon Martin was not fleeing anyone.

              Trayvon Martin did not have anyone yelling "stop", 'halt', quit" desist, or any words to that effect in his direction.

              Trayvon Martin was not seen to be in the process of committing an assault.

              Trayvon Martin was not seen to be in the process of committing a property crime.

              Trayvon Martin had a Fifth Amendment Constitutional Right "To be secure in his person".

              Trayvon Martin had every right to be walking as the curfew in Sanford, Florida was 11:00 P.M. Anyone who says that they never walked to the store in the early evening while a teenager is probably a liar.

              The forensics are going to kill Zimmerman.

              • 1 vote
              #1.43 - Mon Dec 17, 2012 9:37 PM EST

              Going further Trayvon Martin was an invited guess which negates any claim of trespass.

              George Zimmerman had no legal authority to detain Trayvon Martin.

              George Zimmerman had no legal authority to engage in search and seizure upon Trayvon Martin.

              Trayvon Martin had no duty to assist Zimmerman's inquiry.

              Zimmerman's actions were the actions of a contracted Security Agent or law enforcement, not Neighborhood Watch. He had no such contract with the Complex, and was not a member of any local law enforcement agency.

              George Zimmerman engaged in acts of assault, terrorist threats, manslaughter, various Civil Rights violations, and other charges which will be brought in Civil Court

                #1.44 - Mon Dec 17, 2012 11:47 PM EST
                Reply

                He should have to live with it forever. He is a murderer plan and simple. There is no stand your ground when you go after someone.

                • 19 votes
                #2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:21 AM EST

                Well, you certainly won't be on the jury.

                • 6 votes
                #2.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:41 AM EST

                And neither will you AG99.

                • 10 votes
                #2.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:51 AM EST

                and your indisputable evidence beyond a reasonable doubt is what? The misleading and lying news media? Your gut? Withheld evidence supporting the defense? Just what is your evidence you have that he is so guilty......?

                • 4 votes
                #2.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:01 PM EST

                Lame Name: Why? Because I haven't made up my mind he's guilty yet? As it is, I can't think of anything I'd want less than to be on this jury. What a thankless job that will be. Damned if you convict him and damned if you don't.

                • 6 votes
                #2.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:10 PM EST

                Dandi,
                A dead unarmed-teenager. Evidence enough?

                • 12 votes
                #2.5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:11 PM EST

                One of the most interesting items coming from today's hearings is the prosecutor's reference to the information that Jose Baez provided Bernie de la Rionda. That information included the fact that in two drfts, Serino wanted George charged with 2nd degree murder. Only in the final submission did Serino ask for manslaughter charges.

                • 8 votes
                #2.6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:23 PM EST

                Military Man,

                If you really have a military background as your name suggests (unless it is supposed to be ironic or something?), you ought to know one doesn't have to have a weapon to harm someone else.

                • 5 votes
                #2.7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:23 PM EST

                No, Mil Man, that isn't enough. What EVIDENCE do you have that shows EXACTLY who started what??? Just what I thought - NOTHING!!! That leaves the matter to the COURTS. If the opinion of the JURY is that Martin attacked Zimmerman on his way to the vehicle as he states, he may be found not guilty; if the believe Zimmerman continued after Martin and created the physical confrontation, he may be found guilty. Till then, no one can tell what will happen.

                • 6 votes
                #2.8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:29 PM EST

                One of the most interesting items coming from today's hearings is the prosecutor's reference to the information that Jose Baez provided Bernie de la Rionda. That information included the fact that in two drfts, Serino wanted George charged with 2nd degree murder. Only in the final submission did Serino ask for manslaughter charges.

                That was a very interesting turn of events. And Bernie dropped it like a bombshell. Nicely played.

                • 6 votes
                #2.9 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:51 PM EST

                The States Attorney reviewed the evidence and decided that there was not enough evidence to even support a charge of manslaughter, and nothing has changed. Charging Zimmerman was a purely political decision to try to keep the blacks from rioting, nothing more, and Corley went around the Grand Jury because she knew she had no chance for an indictment, and Serino is now walking a beat.

                • 2 votes
                #2.10 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:20 PM EST

                Actually AG99 I figured you won't be on the jury because Colorado is no where near Folrida ;)

                • 2 votes
                #2.11 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:29 PM EST

                Well, yeah, that too. And thank god for it! Can you imagine being a resident of that county, waiting to see if you were picked to serve on this godawful trial? No matter what the verdict is, some of your friends probably wouldn't talk to you again.

                • 3 votes
                #2.12 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:36 PM EST

                The States Attorney reviewed the evidence and decided that there was not enough evidence to even support a charge of manslaughter, and nothing has changed.

                Actually, something did change. A special prosecutor was appointed, and George was charged with 2nd degree murder. Two judges found probable cause to support the charges being filed against him. Now George is on trial for 2nd degree murder.

                • 11 votes
                #2.13 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:56 PM EST

                Steve, initially, the State's Attorney said that there was not enough evidence to ensure a win in court. He wanted the case to be less ambiguous, so he asked the Sanford police to continue investigating and get him enough evidence for a win. The police appeared to put the case on the "back burner," and that is when the special prosecutor was appointed.

                • 9 votes
                #2.14 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:44 PM EST

                hiap,
                I am military (25 years Army) and at 17, I didn't have the knowledge to kill someone with my bare hands. I could have done injury, but if I put myself in the situation of receiving an A$$ wooping, I took it. I never would have considered even pulling a knife in a fist fight. Not that I ever lost a fight.
                Even in the military, we are taught defensive tactics in hand to hand, unless you are Infantry, Ranger or Special Forces.

                I have not read anywhere that Martin had taken any kind of Martial Arts.

                Zimmerman is the worst kind of coward. He mentioned that Martin went for his gun, but unless he pulled it, how would Martin have known it was there?

                • 9 votes
                #2.15 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:20 PM EST

                Everyone is asking for evidence. Well Zimmerman and the 911 tape recording both confirmed that he was told to stay in his car. He did not do this. He went after Martin. He was not standing his ground. He was the pursuer. And since he was packing a firearm when he was not suppose to be carrying while on the neighbor watch duty is enough evidence for me. Zimmerman did NOT follow any of the rules that would have prevented this killing from taking place. I think he should be charged with first degree murder because he knew he was breaking the rules but did it anyway. Enough said.

                • 12 votes
                #2.16 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:40 PM EST

                TO: Dandit61 who wrote:

                "and your indisputable evidence beyond a reasonable doubt is what?..."

                Somebody is dead, and Zimmerman did not sustain "life threatening" injuries.

                I think that qualifies as "evidence".

                • 9 votes
                #2.17 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:45 PM EST

                Thank you Ret MSgt., American Girl,

                Both points I've been making since this started. Zimmerman was on the phone with the dispatcher for over a minute, not once in that time did he go back to his car as he was directed.

                However, Zimmerman is stupid, not guilty of 1st Degree Murder since he probably had no intention of killing anyone, he just bit off more than he could chew once he was face to face with the guy he was persuing. He is a weakling and a coward.

                I have been in a few fights with people who were bigger than I am (5' 8" 170) and although there was always a chance I might lose, I never considered confronting another UNARMED person with anything other than my fists.

                As has been pointed out in nearly every step of this, Zimmerman did not sustain injuries that would have been considered life threatening. He got his a$$ kicked, and he shot an unarmed teenager. He should have taken his beating, stepped away, or not followed Martin at all.

                • 9 votes
                #2.18 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:59 PM EST

                Master Sergeant;

                While I am in complete agreement with you on the charges preferred against Zimmerman, I would like to correct a misconception.

                Zimmerman, despite being a neighborhood watch captain, was not on duty that night. He was on his way to Target on an errand (though one wonders why he felt the need to take a gun with him to Target) and so was perfectly within his rights to carry his firearm.

                One could also argue, however, that in calling in a report of a suspicious person and then exiting his vehicle to follow said suspicious person, he was then placing himself 'on duty' and as such, knew that the neighborhood watch rules prohibited carrying of weapons and so should never have removed his weapon from the vehicle.

                Another question to consider is why, if he was under treatment by a psychiatric professional with psychotropic drugs such as benzodiazepines and amphetamines, was he permitted to carry a weapon at all. In my municipality if a person is being treated for a psychiatric disorder, they have to surrender any ad all weapons and permits until such time as they are no longer under treatment or any behavior-altering medications for the condition have been discontinued.

                I haven't been able to confirm from any lawyer in FL if this is the rule in that state, but it seems like such a common-sens rule that I can't imagine something like it not being in place--and if there is such a rule, then the State would have been negligent in allowing him to retain his weapons and permits in defiance of the law.

                My Dad was in the Army--Vietnam and Korean War vet--and he always told me to use the absolute minimum amount of force needed to accomplish a goal. I have found a similar philosophy among combat veterans, so I assume this is something common to military-trained individuals. A year ago when a stoner tried to break into my house I met him at the door with my swords--he could barely coordinate himself well enough to stagger up my front steps--and held him at sword point until the police got there. I do own a firearm--my Dad's 'Nam piece, an S&W 39, and I live in an inner-city municipality and my neighborhood sees regular activity from five different local gangs, and still I have never once seen the need to take Dad's gun out.

                If he's paranoid enough to have to take his gun to Target, I would hate to see what would happen if Zimmerman lived in my neighborhood.

                • 11 votes
                #2.19 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:47 PM EST

                Amanda, well said!

                • 9 votes
                #2.20 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:51 PM EST

                Very good post, Amanda!

                • 8 votes
                #2.21 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:52 PM EST

                Ditto to the above Amanda!!

                • 7 votes
                #2.22 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 7:33 PM EST

                Ret_MSgt. writes that the NEN tape confirms that George was told not to follow Trayvon by the dispatcher and

                He did not do this. He went after Martin. He was not standing his ground. He was the pursuer.

                Yes........ and George continued even after he says "okay" to the dispatcher. He later told the investigators that he was simply going in the same direction as Trayvon because he needed to get an address at the end of the T on Retreat View Circle and that he WAS on the WAY BACK on the T toward his vehicle that he and Trayvon met up.

                However, George NEVER went to Retreat View Circle.

                Here is the proof:

                First, here are the important time stamps of the NEN tape that are played to George in Part 3 of the February 29, 2012 interview–

                2:08 GZ- "He's running" (George exits car)

                2:24 Dispatcher- "Are you following him?"

                2:25 GZ- "Yeah"

                2:28 Dispatcher- "We don't need you to do that"

                2:48 GZ is knocking on his flashlight right after giving his last name to dispatcher.

                .

                I want to point out that George is knocking on his flashlight (2:48 time stamp)………40 seconds after he exits his car.

                .

                But, look where George says he is at time stamp 2:40 to 2:48 in the February 29, 2012 interview with Singleton and Serino where they question George as they play back portions of the NEN tape of George's recorded call:

                (plays tape 2:40 to 2:47)
                Serino: Where you at now?
                Zimmerman: On Retreat View Circle, I think.
                Serino: OK.

                .

                The above interview proves that George never made it to RVC because he says to Serino that he was at Retreat View Circle at the point (in the tape) that is 40 seconds after he exited his car!

                • 4 votes
                #2.23 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 3:22 PM EST

                Steve-2081387

                The States Attorney reviewed the evidence and decided that there was not enough evidence to even support a charge of manslaughter, and nothing has changed. Charging Zimmerman was a purely political decision to try to keep the blacks from rioting, nothing more, and Corley went around the Grand Jury because she knew she had no chance for an indictment, and Serino is now walking a beat.

                That BS spewing from your mouth is racist rhetoric and nothing else.

                • 3 votes
                #2.24 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:32 AM EST

                duplicate

                  #2.25 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:32 AM EST

                  duplicate

                    #2.26 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:32 AM EST
                    Reply

                    100% Private Property including the roads and sidewalks. A resident can pursue a non-resident anywhere on private property. For guests, it pays to be polite.

                    Hey NBC! I thought Zimmerman was a honky cracker. You sure you got that right? Oh yes, not latino, latino decent. Just can't the full monty, eh? Pathetic.

                    • 6 votes
                    #3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:25 AM EST

                    Thank you, Mr. Racist. You aren't helping him at all.

                    • 15 votes
                    #3.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:33 AM EST

                    So dumb. There should be no mention of his race whatsoever in this article. Who's racist?

                    The article should say a resident killed a non-resident on private property. That's all.

                    • 7 votes
                    #3.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:35 AM EST

                    I agree. Specifying the participants' race is just fanning the flames. It should be irrelevant. Every time we bring it up, we solidify racial bias.

                    • 6 votes
                    #3.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:43 AM EST

                    It's not as if Latinos can't be racist. I have a nephew who is ignored by his Latino family, including his father, for the 13 years of his life because he "looks too white" which is funny because my sister wasn't "too white" to f*ck. I hate to break it to you but no one group has the market cornered when it comes to racism and the reality is that no group is immune to being racist. It's a personality type that infects all walks of life.

                    • 5 votes
                    #3.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:59 AM EST

                    Mort,

                    A sidewalk is NOT private property. It is owned by the city, even in a gated community. Plus, Martin was a guest, an invited guest.

                    Do you routinely shoot your guests? If you don't know someone invited to your party, do you challenge them, or allow them to explain who invited them?

                    • 12 votes
                    #3.5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:15 PM EST

                    Military Man,

                    A street or sidewalk in a private gated community ARE private property.

                    They are not built or maintained by the government. They are built and maintained by the homeowner's association.

                    • 6 votes
                    #3.6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:29 PM EST

                    Not looking good for the HOA's liability in a civil suit, then.

                    • 12 votes
                    #3.7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:53 PM EST

                    They are maintained by the community, ie., the city. Yes they are maintained by tax revenues.

                    • 4 votes
                    #3.8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:54 PM EST

                    MM: Depends on the sidewalk. In my last HOA, sidewalks were built and maintained by the lot owner when they built their houses. They were responsible for them. Commercial areas may be different.

                    • 5 votes
                    #3.9 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:11 PM EST

                    Wrong! The Retreat at Twin Lakes is 100% private and no part is owned or maintained by the city. The roads and sidewalks are all private common area for the benefit and enjoyment of the owners and residents and not for trespassers.

                    Zimmerman had every right as a resident to question someone he did not recognize as a resident or owner on that private property. In fact, he was charged with that as watch captain for the HOA.

                    • 2 votes
                    #3.10 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:22 PM EST

                    Martin had a right to be there, and if he would have taken the time to explain that instead of assaulting Zimmerman, he would be alive today.

                    • 3 votes
                    #3.11 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:31 PM EST

                    I imagine that the tone of George's questioning of Trayvon matched the same tone as heard on the NEN tape when George says, "Fu@king goons" and "These a$$h@oles.....they always get away."

                    • 12 votes
                    #3.12 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:34 PM EST

                    Trayvon was a suspended student spending time at this father's girlfriend's rental unit.

                    http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/03/28/zimmerman-s-twin-lakes-community-was-on-edge-before-trayvon-shooting.html

                    Zimmerman said "@!$%#ing cold" referring to the temperature at the time. Had nothing to do with Trayvon.

                    • 2 votes
                    #3.13 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:35 PM EST

                    Trayvon was a suspended student spending time at this father's girlfriend's rental unit.

                    And so?

                    Here is George's history.

                    He lied by omission in that he did not inform the HOA of his past arrest record when he took on the role of NW coordinator.

                    New documents have become available to the public that recall a violent relationship from Trayvon Martin shooter George Zimmerman’s past. According to records, Zimmerman’s ex-fiance filed a petition accusing him of pushing her in 2005. The Orlando Sentinel has the latest.

                    The court records concern a conflict between Zimmerman and his ex-fiancé, who filed a petition accusing Zimmerman of pushing her during an argument at her Orlando home in August 2005.

                    The woman reported Zimmerman had arrived at her home Aug. 8 and asked to talk. Later, when she asked him to leave, she said, he insisted on staying and demanded documents she had.

                    The woman said she offered to drop the papers off the following day, but Zimmerman became upset, took her cell phone and shoved her. A fight ensued, she said, and her dog bit Zimmerman’s cheek.

                    more click> here

                    From GZ's Facebook page--

                    Im still free! The ex hoe tried her hardest, but the judge saw through it! Big Mike, reppin the Dverse security makin me look a million bucks, broke her down! Thanks to everyone for checkin up on me! Search By: Party Exact Name: on Party Search Mode: Name Last Name: Zimmerman First Name: George Case Status: Closed Date Filed On or After: 01/01/2005 Date Filed On or Before: 01/01/2006 Sort By: Filed Date

                    Case Number Citation Number Style/Defendant Info Filed/Location/Judicial Officer Type/Status Charge(s)

                    2005-CF-009525-A-O
                    ZIMMERMAN, GEORGE MICHAEL
                    10/05/1983

                    07/18/2005
                    Div 10
                    OKane, Julie H

                    Criminal Felony
                    Closed

                    (downgraded to misdemeanor)

                    CR-RESISTING OFFICER WITH VIOLENCE
                    BATTERY ON LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
                    2005-MM-010436-A-O
                    ZIMMERMAN, GEORGE MICHAEL
                    10/05/1983

                    07/18/2005
                    Orlando
                    Miller, W Michael

                    Misdemeanor
                    closed

                    CR-RESISTING OFFICER WITHOUT VIOLENCE
                    2005-DR-012980-O

                    ZUAZO, VERONICA vs. ZIMMERMAN, GEORGE M

                    08/09/2005
                    Div 44
                    44, TBA

                    Domestic Violence
                    Closed - SRS

                    2005-DR-013069-O

                    ZIMMERMAN, GEORGE M vs. ZUAZO, VERONICA A

                    08/10/2005
                    Div 46
                    White, Keith F

                    Domestic Violence
                    Closed - SRS

                    From GZ's Facebook page

                    Good news???? Bout Damn time!!!!!!!

                    2 felonies dropped to 1 misdemeanor!!!!!!!!!!! The man knows he was wrong but still got this hump, Thanks to everyone friends and fam, G baby you know your my rock!

                    • 7 votes
                    #3.14 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:37 PM EST

                    Military Man-1740371

                    A sidewalk is NOT private property. It is owned by the city, even in a gated community.

                    They are maintained by the community, ie., the city. Yes they are maintained by tax revenues.

                    I worked for the street maintenance division for the city I live in and we maintained sidewalks, roads, trees, street lights and signs. Any privately owned property, such as a gated community, is solely responsible for maintaining streets, sidewalks, trees, lights, etc., within that property. Outside of the property the city is responsible for. The city would not come in to do any work, the owner would need to contact a private contractor to come in and do work. All money comes from those who pay to live there in order to keep things maintained, not the city. In regards to HOA, for those who have contracts to have private companies come in to maintain are responsible for maintenance, otherwise those HOAs who have no specified contract will rely on the city for maintenance. In this case, the incident happened in a gated community which means that the sidewalk is private property as well.

                    • 7 votes
                    #3.15 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:49 PM EST

                    Martin had a right to be there, and if he would have taken the time to explain that instead of assaulting Zimmerman, he would be alive today.

                    First 6 words are what is going to send George Zimmerman to prison.

                    Attempting to blame the victim is cowardly.

                    • 15 votes
                    #3.16 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:59 PM EST

                    Attempting to blame the victim is cowardly.

                    Who's the victim and who's the criminal, DOCJT?

                    If Zimmerman is found innocent, he will be the victim and you will be the one blaming him so I hope you remember your words.

                    • 4 votes
                    #3.17 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:06 PM EST

                    Well, let's see. The police reports list the deceased, Trayvon Benjamin Martin as the victim.

                    George is charged with second degree murder, out of jail on 1 mil bond, and is being monitored 24/7 in regard to his movements, cannot have a bank account, cannot possess a passport, has a 6PM-6AM curfew, and cannot leave Seminole County except to go to Orange Co. to meet with his attorney (and only with prior notification to and permission from the Adult Probation Dept.), and is not allowed in the vicinity of an airport.

                    Does that answer your question?

                    Oh, yeah. I'll remember my words. And I will remind you of them when George is transported to the state pen for a 25-life sentence on a 2nd degree murder conviction.

                    • 10 votes
                    #3.18 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:46 PM EST

                    Do I smell a bet DOCJT? Name your terms.

                    • 1 vote
                    #3.19 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:53 PM EST

                    How much do you have in your bank account right now? I'll copy and paste this to my home page to preserve it for future pay off.

                    • 7 votes
                    #3.20 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:58 PM EST

                    I was thinking more along the lines of changing our Avatars (nothing that violates the TOS). You know, something that we can actually collect on.

                    • 1 vote
                    #3.21 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:26 PM EST

                    State of Awareness, Mort,

                    I stand corrected. I am not an authority on gated communities.

                    Most of the areas I have lived in, with gated areas, still use city funds to maintain them, as well as HOA dues. Those are usually used for grounds keeping and unit upkeep for those who are in Condominiums and Town Houses.

                    It appeared to me that the houses in question are tract housing, a bunch of units that look identical. There is a sidewalk running between two complexes that was shared between the two. I know different geographies have different rules, but normally the division between two units is shared responsibility and NO ONE's individual property.

                    • 4 votes
                    #3.22 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:32 PM EST

                    was thinking more along the lines of changing our Avatars (nothing that violates the TOS). You know, something that we can actually collect on.

                    So, you're broke, huh? Probably shouldn't be impulsively challenging people to bets, then.

                    • 5 votes
                    #3.23 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:36 PM EST

                    You don't need money to make a bet. I like the avatar idea. It's kind of like a shave-your-head bet.

                    • 1 vote
                    #3.24 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:42 PM EST

                    Far from it. It would just be difficult to enforce since we don't know each other's real names, where we live. Things like that.

                    • 2 votes
                    #3.25 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:48 PM EST

                    No willingness to take the risk, no value, no confidence in your own bet.

                    • 6 votes
                    #3.26 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:50 PM EST

                    Far from it. It would just be difficult to enforce since we don't know each other's real names, where we live. Things like that.

                    I'm a person of my word. Can't speak for you.

                    • 6 votes
                    #3.27 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:42 PM EST

                    I enjoy the avatar idea.. How about a picture of whoever holding a sign that said I was wrong and you were right in the picture..

                    It's going to be a hard case.. I have been in many debates over it, made debating friends.. I don't think the stand your ground is going to stand to be honest.. But thankfully we don't have such a wonky law here.. And thankfully I wont have to be a juror..

                    • 4 votes
                    #3.28 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:54 PM EST

                    You know, that just might be a worthwhile wager, lol.

                    • 5 votes
                    #3.29 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:44 PM EST

                    Yeah just like Joe Scarborough bet David Axelrod that he'd grow a mustache if Obama won North Carolina or Florida. Doesn't a mustache look great on Joe? Oh wait! He weaseled out of that after he lost. My mistake. Bought his way out I mean.

                    • 5 votes
                    #3.30 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:00 PM EST
                    Reply

                    Maybe he could move in with Casey Anthony, two of a kind.

                    • 9 votes
                    Reply#4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:31 AM EST

                    No, she be too freaky, you would wake up with a Glad Trash bag twisted around you head.

                    • 5 votes
                    #4.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:44 AM EST

                    IXLR8

                    After the chloroform, Im not sure youd wake up at all!

                    • 1 vote
                    #4.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:27 PM EST
                    Reply

                    If he hadn't acted recklessly, If he hadn't lied and tried to hide money, he wouldn't have to worry about it.

                    • 17 votes
                    Reply#5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:31 AM EST

                    Why does the press refuse to include in the facts that Zimmerman is also part black, as well as Latino? In addition Ret_MSgt, in this country one is presumed innocent until convicted. This means he is innoncent until there is a verdict that says otherwise. Move to Cuba and you will discover the difference. Finally, it is clear that Zimmerman was attacked. One does not have the right to attack a person and batter him because he is following you on private property. The judge was totally wrong not to remove the bracelet.

                    • 5 votes
                    #6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:32 AM EST

                    If someone walks up to you and challenges you with no explanation as to why, do you; a. Laugh at him? b. Walk away? c. Ignore him or d. Ask him why it's any of their business?

                    No one knows, or will probably ever will know, who grabbed who or pushed who. Martin would not have attacked Zimmerman for absolutely no reason. Zimmerman was primed and ready when he left his car, you could hear it on the 911 call. None of us heard the challenge, but Martin's girlfriend did.

                    Achem's Razor-

                    The simplest explanation is usually the right one.

                    You can draw your own conclusion; Zimmerman was NOT on his own property, he was not acting as a representative of the Neighborhood watch and he was told not to leave his car, since the police were on their way. There is no "stand your ground" here.

                    I'm not saying he is guilty of murder, just neglegent homicide.

                    • 6 votes
                    #6.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:27 PM EST

                    Military Man,

                    No one knows, or will probably ever will know, who grabbed who or pushed who.

                    Exactly. The only thing we know is who punched who. Trayvon punched Zimmerman. The lack of defensive injuries on Trayvon would seem to indicate that Zimmerman never touched him. Since there is no evidence that Zimmerman attacked Trayvon, and people are innocent until proven guilty, I don't see how they can prove Mr. Zimmerman's guilt.

                    Also:

                    he was told not to leave his car

                    I suggest you go re-listen to the tape. Zimmerman is already out of his car when the dispatcher asks him if he is following Trayvon. Zimmerman tells the dispatcher he is following at which point the dispatcher says "Ok, we don't need you to do that." Zimmerman then responds "Ok." and the heavy breathing and rustling noises (indicative of someone running) trail off until they stop completely and Zimmerman says "He ran." (indicating Trayvon got away)

                    Doesn't really sound like Zimmerman disregarded the police's "order" like everyone seems to believe (for no apparent reason, other than wanting to believe Zimmerman is guilty.)

                    • 3 votes
                    #6.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:36 PM EST

                    You make my point exactly, he was STILL ON the phone. He heard the dispatcher.

                    Zimmerman confronted Martin. If he ran, Zimmerman must have caught him, otherwise Zimmerman would have been safely back at his car. He should have gone straight back to his car, either way, he disregarded the instructions. The police were there within 3 minutes of the call, and Martin was already dead.

                    • 7 votes
                    #6.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:37 PM EST

                    Military Man,

                    Why do you keep perpetuating the most basic of lies about the case that has been repeated since the very beginning of this mess; that Zimmerman was told by the police not to leave his vehicle and disobeyed said statement.

                    In fact, Zimmerman was A.) already out of his car when asked by the dispatcher, B.) was told "you don't need to do that," which is a suggestion, and even if it were a more direct statement, a dispatcher cannot issue law abiding orders to a citizen.

                    If you can't even get that right, why should anyone listen to anything else you have to say?

                    • 2 votes
                    #6.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:41 PM EST

                    Military Man,

                    Go listen to the tape on Wikipedia right now.

                    At about 1:30, you can hear the famous "We don't need you to do that" command.

                    About 15 seconds later, the heavy breathing stops and Zimmerman says "He ran."

                    About a minute after that, Zimmerman is reluctant to give his address because "I don't know where this guy is." Indicating that he doesn't know where Trayvon is so he can't be following him at this point.

                    About 30 seconds after that, Zimmerman hangs up with police and never indicates that he knows where Trayvon is.

                    So, by the time Zimmerman hangs up with police, Trayvon has been out of Zimmerman's sight for about 1 minute 45 seconds.

                    Now about 2 minutes after Zimmerman's call ends, the first 911 call reporting a fight comes in (this is the one where you can hear someone yelling for help.)

                    My question is, how did the out of shape Mr. Zimmerman locate and catch up to the high school football player Mr. Martin (who, remember, had been out of Zimmerman's sight for at least 1:45) and then start a fight that progressed to the point that people started calling 911, all in under 2 minutes?

                    The timeline makes it nearly impossible for Zimmerman to have been the aggressor.

                    • 2 votes
                    #6.5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:50 PM EST

                    was told "you don't need to do that,

                    Oh, puh-leeze! Zimmerman is supposed to be an adult. He knew exactly what was being communicated. That is why he said, "Okay." His "okay" affirms understanding of the message.

                    Does he have to be told to use soap when he takes a shower, or is he smart enough to figure that out from the context and the content?

                    • 7 votes
                    #6.6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:55 PM EST

                    DOCJT,

                    And his stopping running affirms that he did heed the dispatchers "order" and re-affirmed when he says "He ran" and re-re-affirmed when he says "I don't know where this guy is."

                      #6.7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:04 PM EST

                      You don't have to be running to be chasing after, Scuba Steve. And the very fact that the dead body is in a location MORE distant from where George stated he was parked, not LESS distant, shows that George indeed, continued to follow, and look for, Trayvon Martin.

                      • 13 votes
                      #6.8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:10 PM EST

                      So a walking Zimmerman caught up to a running Trayvon?

                        #6.9 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:18 PM EST

                        Military Man

                        If someone walks up to you and challenges you with no explanation as to why, do you; a. Laugh at him? b. Walk away? c. Ignore him or d. Ask him why it's any of their business?

                        You left out "e": Assault him.

                        "e" is what got Martin killed.

                        Even if, and thats a BIG if, which cant be proven one way or the other, Zimmerman continued to look for Martin after talking to the dispatcher, when a person is assaulted they have every right to defend themselves.

                          #6.10 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:48 PM EST

                          Steve-2081387: Even if, and thats a BIG if, which cant be proven one way or the other, Zimmerman continued to look for Martin after talking to the dispatcher, when a person is assaulted they have every right to defend themselves

                          You left out a couple of things. Zimmerman admitted that he followed Trayvon in his vehicle then left his truck and followed Trayvon on foot.

                          When Trayvon asked him if Zimmerman were following him George lied and stated that he wasn't while reaching for his pocket claiming that he was trying to get his cell phone although his gun happened to be in that pocket.

                          • 2 votes
                          #6.11 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:55 PM EST

                          So a walking Zimmerman caught up to a running Trayvon?

                          Point being, Zimmerman was pursuing.

                          • 7 votes
                          #6.12 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:00 PM EST

                          DOCJT,

                          You're missing the bigger point. How did Zimmerman catch Martin if he wasn't running? Martin would have had to turn around and confronted Zimmerman. Which means Martin had the option to get away or initiate a confrontation and he chose the latter.

                            #6.13 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:08 PM EST

                            The point is, Zimmerman pursued. Everything else you are trying to bring in is nothing more than distraction. Zimmerman pursued. He lost his claim to self defense at that point in time.

                            Martin should never have been in the position of having to "get away" from George Zimmerman. Martin was doing nothing illegal. He was walking home. There would not be an issue of Trayvon Martin "getting away" from George Zimmerman if George Zimmerman had not been pursuing.

                            Sorry, Steve. You can't get around it, can't go under it, and can't go over it. There it is. Deal with it.

                            • 11 votes
                            #6.14 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:52 PM EST

                            DOCJT,

                            You are incorrect. You can pursue someone, lose them, and then have them come after you and be allowed to claim self defense. It's even in the SYG law. Its section 2A or 2B. I can't remember which.

                              #6.15 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:01 PM EST

                              Maybe you had better look it up, then, and get someone to explain it to you.

                              • 8 votes
                              #6.16 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:09 PM EST

                              then have them come after you [scubasteve]

                              There is no evidence that Trayvon "went after" George. The only evidence that exists is that Trayvon tried to get away from George who was following Trayvon.

                              • 11 votes
                              #6.17 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:11 PM EST

                              There is as much evidence that Trayvon went after Zimmerman as there is for the reverse scenario.

                                #6.18 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:29 PM EST

                                Uh, let me think about that one. Nope!

                                • 6 votes
                                #6.19 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:39 PM EST

                                Scuba,
                                You are missing the entire point of interest in the scenario. ZIMMERMAN GOT OUT OF HIS CAR AND PURSUED MARTIN...that is all that mattered. Zimmerman took it upon himself to act as law enforcement AFTER being directed NOT to.

                                I said the DISPATCHER directed him not to follow Martin, not the Police. Either way he was directed by LAW enforcement to leave it to the police! His mistake was to think he could act as a COP in a situation where he should have WAITED for the real police.

                                Steve,

                                Zimmerman initiated the confrontation. That's it. IF he was assaulted, it was on him.

                                • 9 votes
                                #6.20 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:41 PM EST

                                Military Man,

                                He was out of his car before being directed not to follow and, as far as anyone can prove, he complied with that order.

                                • 1 vote
                                #6.21 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:08 PM EST

                                Then why was he so much farther from his vehicle than he would have been according to the time stamp on the audio where the dispatcher told him not to follow? You seem to be trying to ignore the fact that the dead body was no where near the location that George had given the dispatcher. That means that George was moving away from his car, not toward it.

                                Here is the way these things are supposed to work:

                                1) Dispatcher says not to follow.

                                2) George says, "Okay."

                                3) George stops at that exact point, turns around, and returns to his vehicle.

                                Unfortunately, George did not return to his vehicle. George, according to his own statements, continued to follow after Trayvon Martin and to look for him. He moved further from his vehicle, not closer. How can he possibly be going back to his vehicle by moving in a direction away from his vehicle?

                                • 9 votes
                                #6.22 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:46 PM EST

                                Great Post DOCJT!! We both know that ScubaSteve just keeps saying the same thing over and over - Here's Scuba's continuous whine - "But he did return to his car" - Like saying the same thing on every vine regarding GZ is gonna make it true. Anyone that has watched the re-enactment and heard GZ's many stories knows that GZ DID NOT return to his vehicle. Hell, GZ admits that he continued in the "same direction as Trayvon" in order to find " a street name or an address' depending on which account you happen to want to believe. Even Serino laughed at that one!!

                                BTW - after today's hearing, Serino is once again a good Cop in my book. Wow - I would say Jose Baez dropped a bomb on O'Mara. O'Mara went home singing "you dropped a bomb on me Baby.. You dropped a bomb on me". Sorry - I know this is a very serious situation, but I just couldn't help myself.

                                • 9 votes
                                #6.23 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 7:47 PM EST

                                3) George stops at that exact point, turns around, and returns to his vehicle.

                                To get his gun..

                                • 3 votes
                                #6.24 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 9:02 PM EST

                                He already had his gun when Martin assaulted him, thats why GZ is alive and Martin is dead.

                                  #6.25 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 10:33 AM EST

                                  Thanks for demonstrating intent for the prosecution's side.

                                  • 4 votes
                                  #6.26 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 6:43 PM EST

                                  Exactly Doc.. I was just being sarcastic with my post because everyone wants to say he did go back to his car.. Well yeah to get his gun and chase after him.. But they proved more of your point he had his gun already chasing the kid..

                                  • 4 votes
                                  #6.27 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 7:27 PM EST

                                  Arggg people are so funny and stupid at the same time it makes me laugh.

                                  1. Yeah I went to the street to get a street name/address. Wow not illegal. Oh and ok to look and see if I see the kid running away out the other exit since that is where he took off. Again so?

                                  2. He was heading back at his car. Since we can almost assume the tapping is that item in the middle he was CLOSER to his car when the altercation occured then when he was not. God people just want to focus on stuff that is completely irrelevant. Makes me laugh.

                                  3. DOCJT are so single minded that because the dispatcher said we dont need you to do that he should have immediately ran back to his car and hidden until the police arrived? Foolish concept indeed.

                                  4. You all seem to ignore the 2 minutes the kid didnt go 200 feet? And somehow the altercation occurs BACK THE OTHER way when he is walking back to his car. If you do the simple math GZ was exactly where he would have been should he walked out to the street and then back to his car but you wont because you have some type of ax to grind.

                                  5. If he was chasing this kind with a gun like you say I doubt he would let him beat the crap out of him or scream for help for 45 seconds. Again foolish to think either of those scenerios make sense.

                                  6. What makes sense to me? Hmm well the kid looked like he was on drugs TRESSPASSING on someone elses property makes a thug type manuver and then takes off around a corner. After realizing he is on the phone with the cops waits and hides. Then upon his "girlfriends" goading he goes after him and wants to impress he how he is going to go knock this cracker the f out. Hmmm yeah somehow that makes sense to me. Saying he was "Scared" of someone at 7pm on a sunday in a gated community is ludicrous at best. He had 15 different options and none of them required him confronting or assaulting GZ. So if I am walking behind you in me neighborhood and we happen to be going the same way if you ask me if i am following you and i say no its ok for you to punch me in the face? Really. Great logic in bizarro world.

                                    #6.28 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:14 PM EST

                                    2. He was heading back at his car. Since we can almost assume the tapping is that item in the middle he was CLOSER to his car when the altercation occured then when he was not. God people just want to focus on stuff that is completely irrelevant. Makes me laugh.

                                    Actually George said that he continued on the T to look for an address on Retreat View Circle. Poor guy could not just look at the number on the house on Twin Tree Lane at the beginning of his walk on the T. George wants us to believe he did not know the name of Twin Tree Lane which is one of only three streets in the gated community. Ha! Wait until the jury hears that one!

                                    And wait until the jury learns that George made it to Retreat View Circle in 40 seconds after he exited his vehicle! see my post at click> #2.23 . It was 290 feet from George's vehicle to Retreat View Circle. He could not have done that in 40 seconds. 290 feet is 10 feet short of the length of a football field.

                                    • 4 votes
                                    #6.29 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:20 PM EST

                                    Your scenario doesn't fly, Dan.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    #6.30 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:33 PM EST

                                    @Dan,

                                    George already tried that BS in his first 3 interviews. No one bought it. That's why he was charged with 2nd degree murder.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    #6.31 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:57 AM EST

                                    Jesus Christ people

                                    Why can't you get off "The dispatcher could not issue a legal order"

                                    Caller..."Hello 911....my house is on fire"

                                    Dispatcher....."I suggest you get out of the house...the fire dept will be there soon"

                                    Caller...."Naw....you can't order me to leave my house....I'm gonna sit here and let it burn down around me"

                                    And then those that say "it was just a suggestion"

                                    And the definition of suggestion?.....A subtle command"

                                    • 3 votes
                                    #6.32 - Tue Dec 18, 2012 1:17 AM EST
                                    Reply

                                    The judge should have let him take it off. He has no reason to run. He did nothing wrong. It was a bad situation and he will go on trial to bring out the evidence.

                                    • 1 vote
                                    Reply#7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:37 AM EST

                                    If he has no reason to run for murdering a young man, why did he lie to the court?

                                    hhhhmmmm?????

                                    • 16 votes
                                    #7.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:58 AM EST

                                    Bob,

                                    Maybe because he didn't want a $1,000,000 bail to start off with?

                                    Mr. Zimmerman most likely used a bail bondsman to post bond (because who has $1,000,000 just lying around?) When you use a bail bondsman, you have to throw 10% down on that bond (that's $100,000 for those math challenged folks). You don't get that $100,000 back. That's the bail bondsman's fee.

                                      #7.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:17 PM EST

                                      Scuba,
                                      Yeah, and that was part of the $200,000. he and his wife tried to conceal from the court after they tracked him down...when he hid from the authorities.

                                      • 9 votes
                                      #7.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:36 PM EST

                                      after they tracked him down...when he hid from the authorities.

                                      You mean when he voluntarily turned himself in for the 2nd time?

                                      • 3 votes
                                      #7.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:43 PM EST

                                      Steve,

                                      Correct, Mr. Zimmerman has never once "hid from the authorities," he has voluntarily turned himself over to authorities every time and arrived at all court appearances without delay.

                                      More lies and distortions from those who have attempted to declare him guilty since back when NBC was editing his police dispatch tapes to make him look like a racist.

                                      • 2 votes
                                      #7.5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:47 PM EST

                                      Maybe because he didn't want a $1,000,000 bail to start off with?

                                      He probably should have considered that before he ran around the neighborhood trying to play cops and robbers.

                                      • 10 votes
                                      #7.6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:58 PM EST

                                      Correct, Mr. Zimmerman has never once "hid from the authorities,"

                                      But he sure tried to hide thousands of dollars and a second passport. That is why he is monitored now. Showed himself to be a risk.

                                      • 11 votes
                                      #7.7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:59 PM EST

                                      I hate to tell the chicken bone section this but "Beyond a reasonable DOUBT" GZ will walk shortly.........

                                        #7.8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:09 PM EST

                                        Didn't watch the live stream of the hearing today, did you? It was a preview of exactly the way the trial will go.

                                        • 9 votes
                                        #7.9 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:01 PM EST

                                        hiap,

                                        Zimmerman disappeared after the initial airing of the story in the news. The authorities had to track him down, that's when he was brought before the judge, who he told he didn't have the money for bail. That was when it was discovered that he and his wife were concealing over $200,000 he received from donations.

                                        • 6 votes
                                        #7.10 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:46 PM EST

                                        MM - and if any of you would have listened to the comments from his lawyer or his WIFE at the time this wouldnt have been an issue. His own lawyer said it didnt matter and why didnt they call his BIL to get the answer? Oh yeah because it sounds just plain sneaky to me. Same reason they didnt release the color photos. Wake up.....

                                          #7.11 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:17 PM EST

                                          Oh, you mean his lawyer that said that "We will not be using the SYG statute because it appears this case does not meet the criteria for SYG. Instead, we will be proceeding with a traditional self defense. According to the evidence, it appears Mr. Zimmerman was reacting to getting punched in the nose."

                                          They didn't call his BIL because George was audio taped discussing the amount of money and how to hide it with his wife and his sister, not his brother in law. Given that she had actually handled the transfer of funds, his wife was fully aware of the amount of money available. She lied to the court. That's why she is charged with perjury.

                                          • 4 votes
                                          #7.12 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 10:01 AM EST
                                          Reply
                                          Comment author avatarrober34Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

                                          Put the monitor on Obama - the Racist President hung Zimmerman without the facts. Obama belongs in jail for obstruction of Justice!

                                          • 2 votes
                                          Reply#8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:37 AM EST

                                          Wow, someone blaming the government (either side) WAY sooner than I predicited. Thanks Rober!

                                          • 16 votes
                                          #8.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:39 AM EST

                                          In this case, the blame is somewhat justified.

                                          President Obama came out supporting the Martins at the very beginning of this investigation ("If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon")

                                          It is somewhat irresponsible for an acting president to make a comment on an ongoing criminal investigation.

                                          • 2 votes
                                          #8.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:20 PM EST

                                          And, Newt Gingrich, Jeb Bush, and the author of SYG also made public statements saying that SYG does not apply to George Zimmerman because George pursued Trayvon.

                                          • 12 votes
                                          #8.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:44 PM EST

                                          YAHTC,

                                          And how does that have to do with any of the comments in this string?

                                          • 1 vote
                                          #8.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:55 PM EST

                                          Uh, George has no defense?

                                          • 9 votes
                                          #8.5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:00 PM EST

                                          But it has nothing to do with this string of comments (#'s 8.X).

                                            #8.6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:42 PM EST

                                            rober34 #8~~You should be in prison for libel defamation of Barack Obama, The President Of The United States Of America!

                                            • 2 votes
                                            #8.7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:50 PM EST

                                            YAHTC

                                            because George pursued Trayvon

                                            And Im sure you have a witness or two who will testify to this, yea, I didnt think so. No witness, no way to prove it.

                                            • 4 votes
                                            #8.8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:55 PM EST

                                            How about recorded audio, maps, a re-enactment, and George's own words? That good enough for you?

                                            • 11 votes
                                            #8.9 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:06 PM EST
                                            Reply

                                            At least he is alive. He doesn't want to have to live in hiding. Most of your wild animals do it all the time!

                                            • 1 vote
                                            Reply#9 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:39 AM EST

                                            Surprised MSNBC opened up comment section on this story, last Zimmerman story MSNBC didn't, wonder why?

                                            Oh ya that was the story where Zimmerman was suing NBC for editing the 911 tape to make it look like he was racist.

                                            You know the story that cost 3 employees their jobs, can't have people pointing out that NBC is racist for editing in the first place.

                                            Can't wait until first hearing and the judge has to throw out all charges because GZ was justified in defending himself under stand you ground, or just plain old self defense. People are going to loose their collective minds when that happens, mark my words.

                                            • 7 votes
                                            #10 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:40 AM EST

                                            I must have missed this one...three emploees out to get georgie porgie? Really?

                                            • 6 votes
                                            #10.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:54 AM EST

                                            You've already lost your mind. Then again, you;re one of those dickless wonders so...

                                            • 6 votes
                                            #10.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:57 AM EST

                                            lmao uh, when you follow someone with the intent to stop them you have become the aggressor...as is the case here. Also, when you lie about basic info to detectives, it doesnt bode well for you. Sorry to ruin your little fantasy robbob, but your little lover george is going to prison.

                                            • 11 votes
                                            #10.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:15 PM EST

                                            american

                                            Its such a relief to know that you have such an insight as to Zimmermans intent, Im sure the prosecution will be glad to put you on as a witness. Do you also have an insight as to Martins intent when he assaulted him?

                                            • 2 votes
                                            #10.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:06 PM EST

                                            Take a deep breath, Steve. You are beginning to show a little testiness.

                                            • 10 votes
                                            #10.5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:07 PM EST

                                            Steve-2081387

                                            american

                                            Its such a relief to know that you have such an insight as to Zimmermans intent

                                            .

                                            George's friend Frank Taaffe gives us a clue:

                                            FRANK TAAFFE's quotes--

                                            .

                                            “All of the perpetrators of the prior burglaries were young black males.....You know, there’s an old saying that if you plant corn, you get corn.”

                                            .

                                            "The stage was already set. It was a perfect storm,” Taaffe said. “I think any time you use a weapon, there are certain anger issues working.”

                                            .

                                            “I think he had fed-up issues. He was mad as hell and wasn't going to take it anymore," Taaffe said of Zimmerman.

                                            • 8 votes
                                            #10.6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:25 PM EST

                                            How soon they all forget, Rick

                                            Lets refresh, NBC edited the 911 tape to make GZ look racist, which to be honest is the main reason this story is still a story. TM family and Lawyers tried to turn this into a white on black thing and NBC happened to help provide some of this evidence by editing the 911 tape. So I have to ask who was more racist GZ or the other side including at least 2 networks, ABC had the whole enhance then re-enhance of the tape a week later over whether or not GZ said "coon", which ABC proved he did not after the re-enhancing.

                                            It dismissed three employees of the network and a local NBC station, according to published reports. Two of them are named in the lawsuit as defendants, along with NBC News' Ron Allen, the on-air correspondent for the March 20 report.

                                            http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/06/15735766-george-zimmerman-sues-nbcuniversal-over-editing-of-emergency-call-in-trayvon-martin-shooting?lite

                                            The race angle and the media blitz that TM family and lawyers started 6 weeks after the shooting is the only reason this is a story at all. You can be damn sure the story about the black on black execution style shooting yesterday in NY wont get a tenth of the coverage this story has, in no small part due to the way the networks have tried to keep making it a race thing.

                                            Zimmerman, who is of Latino descent, Martin, who was African-American

                                            Neither of these men's ancestry or skin color has anything to do with what happened that night. Those that have been attacking GZ this whole time have had to continually change their reasons since this started, first it was a racist attack, then it was this much bigger man murdered this little boy, then it wasn't self defense because GZ had no injuries, then GZ chased TM down and attacked him, blah blah blah. It was racism, TM ended up being bigger the GZ, TM confronted GZ as GZ was going back to his truck to meet police and TM attacked him.

                                            Long and short of it, TM was beating GZ and GZ felt his life was endanger and he shot his attacker in self defense with his legally carried sidearm, SYG not even needed.

                                            • 2 votes
                                            #10.7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:57 PM EST

                                            Robbob - nothing in your posts makes George Zimmerman "innocent" of 2nd degree murder. There is absolutely NO proof that as you say:

                                            TM was beating GZ

                                            Just the word of a proven LIAR. Nice rant though.

                                            • 6 votes
                                            #10.8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 7:53 PM EST

                                            Robbob you are putting your own spin on people changing their story. I have stated the same things right from the beginning. I have never called it racism. It was profiling but it wasn't racism.

                                            I am glad that you were there and you know exactly what GZ did. You are the only eyewitness and you should go and inform the police that you saw GZ walking back to his vehicle and that you saw TM attack him. The only evidence to that is GZ's own words. Even his conversations with the dispatcher belie that account. Why did he decide not to get in his vehicle and meet the police at the mailboxes as originally planned? Why did he instead tell the dispatcher to have the police call him when they arrive so that he can direct them to his location if he was on his way back to his vehicle to meet the police? How was it that he had an approximately 1 1/2 minute conversation with the dispatcher after he was told not to follow TM yet he never made it all the way back to his vehicle but instead ended up farther away from his vehicle? There are logical answers to all of those questions and not a one of them is that he was going back to his truck to meet the police as you want to claim. To claim the TM was fast enough to get all the way to the other end of the walkway in the few seconds that GZ was chasing him before he lost sight of him is ludicrous. The most logical explanation of why GZ lost sight of TM is because he ducked out of sight, most likely in someone's yard to wait until GZ (the crazy guy chasing him for no apparent reason) left. Since you all claim that GZ isn't stupid, I am sure that he figured that one out and instead of going back to his vehicle he continued to search for TM. We have testimony from TM's gf that she heard him ask GZ why he was following him and GZ responding by wanting to know what TM was doing there. There is every indication by GZ's conversation to the dispatcher that he attempted to detain TM for the police and ended up getting the short end of the stick. Just because TM has no apparent injuries (such as bruises) does not mean that GZ didn't get any licks in himself as once the heart stops pumping (a bullet to the heart will do that) there is no blood pumping to pool in the injured area to cause a bruise, it just settles to the lowest point in the body depending upon their position. It really is pretty convenient that not one single person saw GZ following and then chasing TM, not one single person saw who instigated the altercation, not one single person saw GZ shoot TM but several witnesses claim to have seen TM on top of GZ supposedly bashing his head into the ground. All of this in less than 3 minutes.

                                            • 4 votes
                                            #10.9 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:28 AM EST

                                            It really is pretty convenient that not one single person saw GZ following and then chasing TM, not one single person saw who instigated the altercation, not one single person saw GZ shoot TM but several witnesses claim to have seen TM on top of GZ supposedly bashing his head into the ground. All of this in less than 3 minutes.

                                            All this adds up to reasonable doubt, and thats why Zimmerman will be acquitted.

                                            • 2 votes
                                            #10.10 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 10:43 AM EST

                                            Long and short of it, TM was beating GZ and GZ felt his life was endanger and he shot his attacker in self defense with his legally carried sidearm, SYG not even needed.

                                            Guess some people need to brush up on self defense as a legal right of all US citizens. GZ has proof of the attack in the form of the injuries he received from the attack by TM, he has a very legal right to bare arms and a legal carry permit, he felt he was endanger for his life or great bodily harm and he used his legal side arm to defend himself period. Hate to break it to all that feel otherwise but that is all that is required to prove self defense in all 50 states. I don't have to have been there or even see any of it happen to know how self defense works as a legal defense, all that other stuff you all keep trying to bring up is 100% pointless, it doesn't matter. They only brought up charges because they were politically and publicly forced to, in order to quell public unrest, they know it is not a winnable case.

                                            Donna P

                                            Robbob you are putting your own spin on people changing their story. I have stated the same things right from the beginning. I have never called it racism. It was profiling but it wasn't racism.

                                            Donna I wasn't talking about you, hell never heard of you until to day anyway, BUT I was talking about TM parents, their lawyers, the media (NBC, ABC), "activist" (Al & Jess), politicians (local, state and Federal "Obama") and various groups who tried from the start of the media blitz to turn this into a racist hate crime. They worked very hard at the propaganda campaign (edited tapes, old photos, wrong race) to make it seem like a white man hunted down a black child and killed him. GZ is MIXED race with Hispanic, BLACK and white heritage just like a lot of us, me and the Prez. included, Tm was not a little child like his photos implied, he was actually bigger than GZ.

                                            As proof I'll return you to the story from the other day where GZ is suing NBC for that very reason.

                                            http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/06/15735766-george-zimmerman-sues-nbcuniversal-over-editing-of-emergency-call-in-trayvon-martin-shooting?lite

                                            Concerned Citizen

                                            Robbob - nothing in your posts makes George Zimmerman "innocent" of 2nd degree murder. There is absolutely NO proof that as you say: TM was beating GZ

                                            CC did you by chance NOT SEE THE PIC OF GZ MOMENTS AFTER THE ATTACK

                                            Here let me make it easy for you, it's from the other story here on MSNBC

                                            http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/121204-zimmerman-scene-photo-05-1130a.photoblog600.jpg

                                            http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/03/15647937-defense-posts-george-zimmerman-photo-from-night-of-trayvon-martin-shooting

                                            • 2 votes
                                            #10.11 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 4:11 PM EST

                                            All this adds up to reasonable doubt, and thats why Zimmerman will be acquitted.

                                            That might be true if there wasn't other evidence to counter the fact that no one saw the actual altercation begin. Unfortunately for George, there is a boat load of other evidence that will indicate that he was the aggressor.

                                            You also seem to be conveniently ignorning the fact that the lack of witnesses to the beginning of the confrontation means that it is just as likely that Trayvon Martin was acting in self defense as was George Zimmerman.

                                            With the evidence showing George to be the aggressor, the likelihood of self defense actually being a claim belonging to the victim is shifted.

                                            • 6 votes
                                            #10.12 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 6:46 PM EST

                                            NOT SEE THE PIC OF GZ MOMENTS AFTER THE ATTACK

                                            I have seen copies that have been through a huge chain of possession, and the one being published currently on the Zimmerman website is suspect, to say the least. The copy that O'Mara included with his motion yesterday shows even more differences. In other words, photos are easily altered, and the chance of that ocurring is great when that photo has not been held under controlled conditions the way evidence is supposed to be held. It will no doubt be ruled inadmissable as a result of that.

                                            Therefore, the only credible evidence of George's injuries are the documentation by EMS workers who examined him at the scene, cleaned him up, and did not render any further treatment, as well as the documentation from his own physician's office less than 24 hours later indicating the minor nature of his injuries.

                                            • 7 votes
                                            #10.13 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 6:54 PM EST

                                            Robbob-1667446 - sorry man give up. If you say its hot today people will say its freezing here. They dont care about the MOUNTAIN of evidence it was self-defense and just the mind boggling time issue this whole thing has. Even the fact that TM confronted GZ if you use their own witnesses. Amazing..... Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims like a duck... Must be a turkey....

                                            • 1 vote
                                            #10.14 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:22 PM EST

                                            CC did you by chance NOT SEE THE PIC OF GZ MOMENTS AFTER THE ATTACK

                                            Well no, Robbob /s/. OF COURSE, I saw the picture. And let me tell you what I see when I look at that picture:

                                            1) a "Hall Of Mirrors" delusion. You know, the one that makes everything look really long and out of proportion.

                                            2) Or maybe, a better description is "Charicature".

                                            3) GZ's lips look like Betty Boop. If that's blood, it sure looks STAGED. So incredibly perfect in its little spots - you can definitely tell it has been digitally re-enhanced.

                                            4) The next day his face, nose and head had MIRACULOUSLY healed! Lord it's a Miracle!!! Someone alert the Vatican. - LOL!!

                                            That picture is about as convincing as anything else the defense has released to date.

                                            • 5 votes
                                            #10.15 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:37 PM EST

                                            With the evidence showing George to be the aggressor

                                            You have no evidence of this, and given the choice of the NW guy who was on the phone to the police, or the Maimi thug starting the fight, which do you believe a Sanford jury is going to believe, expecially with the injuries Zimmerman suffered.

                                              #10.16 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 10:39 AM EST

                                              If those color pictures are such damning evidence, why hasn't MOM officially submitted them as evidence? I would also like to know why the picture taken at the police station about 4 hours later does not show a swollen nose? How did the murderer manage to make that swelling go away in record time???? And with no application of cold or ice packs to boot! No bruising the next day either!!!!! The murderer has amazing powers of instant healing!!!

                                              While looking at the comparison of the altered photo vs the police station photo, notice the difference in the width at the bridge of the nose. Hhhhmmmm, now I think I know why MOM just waves the color photo around in the hearing and doesn't submit it into evidence.

                                              • 3 votes
                                              #10.17 - Sun Dec 16, 2012 2:16 AM EST

                                              If those color pictures are such damning evidence, why hasn't MOM officially submitted them as evidence?

                                              Omara didnt submit them because they arent his evidence, they are prosecution evidence, now if you want to say the prosecution evidence is bogus, go right ahead.

                                                #10.18 - Thu Dec 20, 2012 10:07 AM EST
                                                Reply

                                                Zimurderer is a lar and a killer.

                                                He should not even HAVE bail after lying to the court.

                                                • 13 votes
                                                Reply#11 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:45 AM EST
                                                Reply

                                                @Mark L.-838207

                                                So true. At least we'll have a few laughs from the comments.

                                                  Reply#12 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:45 AM EST

                                                  If he doesn't want to be in jail, then wear the GPS unit. He should have been in prison months ago.

                                                  • 11 votes
                                                  Reply#13 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:50 AM EST

                                                  Those WERE NOT private streets and sidewalks as some have suggested...Zimmerman had no right to follow and badger someone even if he was a self annointed vigilante...otherwise I might claim the same rights and shoot your kids should they come though my private neighborhood...

                                                  • 12 votes
                                                  Reply#14 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:53 AM EST

                                                  Sidewalks and streets in gated communities are private property. They are maintained by the homeowner's association and not by the city or state.

                                                  And if you stopped a kid in your neighborhhood to ask what they were doing, and their response was to break your nose then get on top of you and continue hitting you, I'd support your right to self defense as well.

                                                  • 1 vote
                                                  #14.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:58 PM EST

                                                  Reasonable people don't go around questioning kids for walking home.

                                                  And George never, by his own testimony, identified himself or his intent.

                                                  • 15 votes
                                                  #14.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:02 PM EST

                                                  And if you stopped a kid in your neighborhhood to ask what they were doing, and their response was to break your nose then get on top of you and continue hitting you, I'd support your right to self defense as well. [ScubaSteve]

                                                  I imagine that the tone of George's questioning of Trayvon matched the same tone as heard on the NEN tape when George says, "Fu@king goons" and "These a$$h@oles.....they always get away."

                                                  • 10 votes
                                                  #14.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:16 PM EST

                                                  When did GZ stop him and ask him what he was doing? GZ claims that he never stopped TM but that TM attacked him so how could he have asked TM what he was doing? The only indication that GZ asked him anything was from TM's gf stating that she heard TM ask GZ why he was following him and GZ demanding to know what TM was doing there.

                                                  Actually all I hear from the GZ supporters is that TM should have just stopped when being pursued to tell GZ what he was doing in the neighborhood and everything would have been fine. There is nothing about how GZ should have identified himself and explained why he was following TM. GZ lived in the neighborhood and TM was only a guest so TM was obligated to explain himself. TM should have known that the vehicle that was following him belonged to the self proclaimed neighborhood watch captain and that he was obligated to inform GZ of why he was in the neighborhood. There is no way that a vehicle that didn't belong to a resident could have been in the neighborhood. For all he knew he could have been someone intent on robbing the neighborhood. I am glad that all of you would just stop while being followed and/or chased for no apparent reason to calmly explain to the stranger that is following you what you are doing in the area. I mean really, there is no way on earth that someone who is following or chasing you for no apparent reason is intent on doing you harm.

                                                  • 3 votes
                                                  #14.4 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 10:02 AM EST

                                                  YATC

                                                  You cant convict someone on "I imagine", either you have proof or you dont.

                                                    #14.5 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 10:46 AM EST

                                                    Yeah, Steve...like a bullet wound in the victim's chest, and no DNA on his hands or his clothing supporting your tales of being beaten to the point that you feared for your life.

                                                    Proof for the prosecution.

                                                    • 6 votes
                                                    #14.6 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 1:08 AM EST

                                                    The proof that the prosecution has is the police reports and witness statements that claim Zimmerman was beaten, along with the photos showing his injuries, but if you think you can convince a jury that Martin never laid a hand on hims, be my guest.

                                                      #14.7 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 10:42 AM EST
                                                      Reply

                                                      )Considering the only neighborhood watch organization in the neighborhood has refuted the idea that Zimmerman was a member of thier organization from day one, why does NBC insist on calling him a neighborhood watch volunteer?

                                                      He's nothing but a fat coward who likes to start fist fights and then pull his gun when he realizes he's going to get his butt handed to him, exactly what the NRA said wouldn't happen under dead men tell no tales doctrine.

                                                      It's bad enough honest people have to worry about morons and idiots shooting at anything that moves and call it hunting (7 people shot hunting in Iowa in two weeks), now we have to worry about dickless wonders playing cowboy.

                                                      • 10 votes
                                                      #15 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:55 AM EST

                                                      He started a fist fight? How? By throwing his nose into Trayvon's fist?

                                                      • 1 vote
                                                      #15.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:23 PM EST

                                                      Really, despite all the letters between himself and the Sanford county PD in the official evidence documents detailing his setting up appointments between the department and the neighborhood watch to train members, and him thanking them for the help at watch meetings? They just made all that up, went to pretend meetings, and he isn't even a member?

                                                      • 2 votes
                                                      #15.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:35 PM EST

                                                      He's a feaking volunteer whose authority extends to watching and reporting, just like any other volunteer on a neighborhood watch.

                                                      He exceeded his authority, and he will be going to prison as a result.

                                                      • 11 votes
                                                      #15.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:04 PM EST

                                                      He watched, he reported, he got assaulted, he smoked the assailant. Even if convicted to keep the animals from rioting, he will be out in a couple of years. Yea, I remember No Limit, he was a bad MoFo, didnt take @!$%# off anybody, his new address is in the graveyard, but he was a bad MoFo.

                                                      • 1 vote
                                                      #15.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:29 PM EST

                                                      Left out the "chased after, with a 9mm loaded with hollow point bullets, from one side of the neighborhood to the other, an unarmed teen, whom he shot and killed simply because his paranoia and prejudice told him that a kid walking home in the rain was suspicious".

                                                      Need to get all the information in there, Steve.

                                                      • 8 votes
                                                      #15.5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:03 PM EST

                                                      I think the action that triggered the shooting was Trayvon punching Zimmerman in the face.

                                                      You need to get all the information in there too, DOCJT

                                                        #15.6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:32 PM EST

                                                        How would George have ever been close enough to Trayvon to get punched in the face if he hadn't pursued him after he had already reported that Trayvon was running in a direction away from him? I think his exact words, recorded on the audio are, "Shyte! He's running!"

                                                        That was followed with the dispatcher's question, "Are you following him?" and George's reply, "Yes."

                                                        • 8 votes
                                                        #15.7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:42 PM EST

                                                        Followed by,

                                                        Dispatcher: We don't need you to do that.

                                                        Zimmerman: Ok

                                                        (Heavy breathing slows, then stops)

                                                        Zimmerman: He ran.

                                                        You keep leaving things out to try and make your case.

                                                        • 1 vote
                                                        #15.8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:11 PM EST

                                                        Nope. Better go listen to the dispatch call. George says, "Shyte, he's running!" prior to the dispatcher asking him if he was following.

                                                        In fact, just after George saying, "Shyte, he's running!" you can hear the alarm bell on George's car door go off as he opens it to exit the vehicle.

                                                        The heavy breathing stopping does not indicate that George did not continue to move toward Trayvon Martin and away from his vehicle. In fact, the location of the dead body shows that he most certainly continued to move toward Trayvon Martin, as does George's re-enactment.

                                                        • 8 votes
                                                        #15.9 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:54 PM EST

                                                        DOCJT - your post was so correct that I had to quote it again:

                                                        Nope. Better go listen to the dispatch call. George says, "Shyte, he's running!" prior to the dispatcher asking him if he was following.

                                                        In fact, just after George saying, "Shyte, he's running!" you can hear the alarm bell on George's car door go off as he opens it to exit the vehicle.

                                                        The heavy breathing stopping does not indicate that George did not continue to move toward Trayvon Martin and away from his vehicle. In fact, the location of the dead body shows that he most certainly continued to move toward Trayvon Martin, as does George's re-enactment.

                                                        ABSOLUTELY!!!

                                                        • 5 votes
                                                        #15.10 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 7:56 PM EST

                                                        Which part of that gives Martin the right to assault Zimmerman?

                                                          #15.11 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 10:51 AM EST

                                                          George was posing an aggressive threat toward Martin. Martin had every right to defend himself from such.

                                                          Sorry, Steve, but those self defense laws run both ways.

                                                          • 4 votes
                                                          #15.12 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 6:58 PM EST

                                                          DOCJT - In public?? Are you nuts you cant hit someone because you THINK they might hurt you. Are you insane? Following in PUBLIC is not a reason to assault someone. Do you know ANYTHING about self-defense laws???

                                                            #15.13 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:26 PM EST

                                                            and again going to the street like he said is perfectly legal DOCJT. Your trying to make a point where there is none to be made and was explained day 2.

                                                              #15.14 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:28 PM EST

                                                              Whoa - hold on there, Dan; You said in post #14.13

                                                              Are you nuts you cant hit someone because you THINK they might hurt you.

                                                              According to all you Zimmies, you can actually shoot someone if you THINK they might hurt you. We (as in those that want Justice for Trayvon) have heard over and over again how GZ had the right to use Lethal Force against a punch (if indeed that is what happened - no evidence to prove this). I have seen the FL SYG and Self-Defense laws until I'm blue in the face. So - the way I understand it from all you Zimmies is that you can use self-defense if you have a reasonable belief the other person MEANS you harm. So which is it? Or do you just believe that the Law is okay for GZ and not for Trayvon? Like DOCJT said,

                                                              but those self defense laws run both ways.

                                                              That would be a big YEP!!

                                                              • 6 votes
                                                              #15.15 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:57 PM EST

                                                              Are you nuts you cant hit someone because you THINK they might hurt you

                                                              And do you have anything what so ever to show that anything resembling this is what occurred in this situation?

                                                              You can't shoot someone for punching you in the nose, either. And even O'Mara has stated that is what happened in this case.

                                                              • 6 votes
                                                              #15.16 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 1:10 AM EST

                                                              and again going to the street like he said is perfectly legal DOCJT.

                                                              I guess you missed all of George's admissions that he was following Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman was not a cop, and therefore, carried no authority to put anyone under surveillance.

                                                              • 7 votes
                                                              #15.17 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 1:14 AM EST

                                                              George was posing an aggressive threat toward Martin. Martin had every right to defend himself from such.

                                                              And Zimmerman had every right to defend himself from the beating he was getting from Martin.

                                                              Zimmerman had every right to watch a suspicious person in his gated community.

                                                                #15.18 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 10:46 AM EST

                                                                doc

                                                                That was followed with the dispatcher's question, "Are you following him?"

                                                                And you conveniently left out the part where the dispatcher asks "which way is he running", and thats when GZ gets out of the car.

                                                                  #15.19 - Mon Dec 17, 2012 10:40 AM EST

                                                                  Steve,

                                                                  the dispatcher asks "which way is he running", and thats when GZ gets out of the car.

                                                                  Why? Why did he get out of the car? He answered the question, he told the dispatcher "towards the back"...

                                                                  There is no way to conclude (for a reasonable person) that the dispatcher was telling GZ to follow, and keep Trayvon in his sight...no way.

                                                                  And if GZ had actually stopped following, when he was told to, he would have been back in his car, waiting for the police.

                                                                  • 2 votes
                                                                  #15.20 - Mon Dec 17, 2012 1:18 PM EST

                                                                  There is no way to conclude (for a reasonable person) that the dispatcher was telling GZ to follow, and keep Trayvon in his sight...no way.

                                                                  I guess we will see what the jury thinks.

                                                                    #15.21 - Tue Dec 18, 2012 10:58 AM EST
                                                                    Reply

                                                                    So why don't we all just run around with our guns, confronting people who we deem "suspicious" based on our closed mindedness and need to feel important. Let's forget that this is America and we all have the right to walk to the store without being profiled by civilians with past brushes with the law, all of which were of a violent nature. No matter how you try to spin it, this was gross misjudgment and recklessness on Zimmerman's part on so many levels. 1) Under the by-laws of the Neighborhood Watch Association, one should never be armed. 2) Those same by-laws forbid its volunteers from confronting anyone who is believed to be in the commission of a crime. They have the responsibility to report ONLY. Zimmerman, by his own admission did in fact confront Trayvon Martin who police confirmed was not indulging in any criminal activity. Zimmerman confirms this in the infamous 911 call. Not once did he tell the dispatcher that Trayvon Martin was committing a CRIME. At best, he said, "He looks like he's up to no good. I think he's high on something, These ????? always get away." All of those statements were of a prejudicial nature and as we now know, held no merit. And don't you find it odd that a self appointed NWA captain left the safety of his car in order to get a better view of a street sign? Shouldn't he have known the names of the streets in such a small gated community? Zimmerman is a proven liar. I don't believe anything he says. If you wish to drag Trayvon's past into the mix, you'll have to include Zimmerman's as well.

                                                                    • 10 votes
                                                                    Reply#16 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:56 AM EST

                                                                    Zimmerman never said he confronted Trayvon. He said he followed Trayvon for about 30 seconds until Trayvon outran him.

                                                                    Zimmerman has always claimed that Trayvon circled back and attacked him as he was returning to his truck,.

                                                                    • 1 vote
                                                                    #16.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:26 PM EST

                                                                    Scuba.......In the 3rd audio tape of the February 29 interview, Serino and Singleton were able to get proof that George never made it on the T to Retreat View Circle to obtain an address. Therefore, George was never returning on the T back from Retreat View Circle.

                                                                    I can post all the proof from that interview it you wish.

                                                                    • 10 votes
                                                                    #16.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:31 PM EST

                                                                    LOL, Zimmerman claims a hell of a lot that isn't true according to the evidence.

                                                                    • 12 votes
                                                                    #16.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:05 PM EST

                                                                    Really? What do you expect GZ to say? I was following this kid in my vehicle because he looked suspicious and he noticed I was following him and he started running away so I got out of my vehicle and chased him. I lost sight of him but I knew that he had to be hiding so I continued to search for him while waiting for the police who I called and when I found him I attempted to detain him for the police and in attempting to get away from me he punched me in the nose and I hit the ground and when I was on the ground he continued to hit me and he had me pinned down so I couldn't hit him back so I had to pull my gun to defend myself and I shot him. It was all in self defense so I am not responsible for any of my actions. You do know that he could have been one of the kids that have been robbing the neighborhood and it is my job to protect the neighborhood from those criminals.

                                                                    Of course he is going to say that he was attacked while walking back to his vehicle. There is no one to refute his story. Just like TM had him pinned down and he couldn't defend himself with his own hands but he was able to get his gun out and shoot TM. Of course his story has no holes in it. It is rock solid based on the evidence. If you believe that I have a bridge to sell you in NYC

                                                                    • 5 votes
                                                                    #16.4 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 10:44 AM EST
                                                                    Reply

                                                                    Because he's a villain the media makes him Latino lol. When it comes to hating Latinos FOX has nothing on MSNBC. I just think its funny. The trash of society always has to have another segment to think of as lower than them. As Blacks increase wealth Hispanics are sadly filling this role, despite their rich and honorable culture. If you are truly against hate this should not be overlooked.

                                                                      Reply#17 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:08 PM EST

                                                                      Actually it was George and his family that insisted that his Hispanic ethnicity was being overlooked, and that is why the media began reporting it.

                                                                      Better blame George, et al for bringing the Hispanic label into it.

                                                                      • 6 votes
                                                                      #17.1 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 7:00 PM EST
                                                                      Reply

                                                                      Zimmerman is not forced to live in hiding. He just can't leave his Florida county. George, you are free to come and go as you please. Get out and enjoy the sunshine, can't wait for his happy trial's end.

                                                                      • 5 votes
                                                                      Reply#18 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:09 PM EST

                                                                      I think the real reason that he is in hiding is so that he won't run into reporters who would ask him questions that he would be tempted to answer. And, of course, we all know what happens when George opens his mouth.

                                                                      • 11 votes
                                                                      #18.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:41 PM EST

                                                                      Got that one right. He's in hiding because O'Mara wants him muzzled.

                                                                      • 10 votes
                                                                      #18.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:06 PM EST

                                                                      Oh, I don't think that's why he's hiding. Running from reporters, hah......he's definitely not running from reporters.

                                                                      • 1 vote
                                                                      #18.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:22 PM EST

                                                                      The only reporter/commentator that George allowed to be interviewed by was Sean Hannity who had "scripted questions" and who had previously expressed his support of George.

                                                                      • 9 votes
                                                                      #18.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:50 PM EST
                                                                      Reply

                                                                      A good ruling by the judge. Since Zimmerman previously misrepresented his finances and passport status, any judge would be daft to rescind the restrictions.

                                                                      • 12 votes
                                                                      Reply#19 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:14 PM EST

                                                                      When oh when will the racist murderer go on trial?????????????????????????

                                                                      • 10 votes
                                                                      Reply#20 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:18 PM EST

                                                                      Save the taxpayers money. Fry the murderous bastard now.

                                                                      • 7 votes
                                                                      Reply#21 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:22 PM EST

                                                                      The restrictions that Zimmerman placed on Trayvon Martin make it impossible for him to meet with anyone, either. Zimmerman deserves a fair trial, but we know one thing for sure, and that's that he is a proven liar. He's fine right where he is for the time being.

                                                                      • 10 votes
                                                                      Reply#22 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:27 PM EST

                                                                      Does he have the option of going to jail and removing the monitor? I feel the cost of monitors be paid by the state instead of defendants.

                                                                        Reply#23 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:31 PM EST

                                                                        Not when it is a condition of the bond. Defendent is responsible. He has a choice. He can refuse to pay the expense, and go back to jail.

                                                                        • 9 votes
                                                                        #23.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:13 PM EST

                                                                        It must be cheaper to use a monitor than keep someone in jail so the state should pass the savings on to the defendant or at least pay the difference. . Why punish innocent people before a trial ? There are too many cottage industries attached to the criminal system to suck the blood of innocent people caught in its web.

                                                                        Anything in the interest of public safety is the same as saying Ends justify the means.

                                                                          #23.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:47 PM EST

                                                                          Well, George is being punished because he deceived the court regarding his finances and a 2nd passport.

                                                                          What cottage industry? George is under control of the Adult Parole/Probation authority in regard to his monitoring. That's a state agency.

                                                                          • 6 votes
                                                                          #23.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:12 PM EST

                                                                          @DOCJT

                                                                          I will look into what you say but in all fairness think the list of Fees are endless and the people that actually do the monitoring an service for the tracking devices are private companies under contract.

                                                                            #23.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 6:27 PM EST

                                                                            The gentleman responsible for George's monitoring testified at the hearing. He is a Probation Officer with the state of Florida Adult Parole/Probation dept.; Seminole Co. office. Any fees for such are paid to the state dept. of corrections.

                                                                            • 4 votes
                                                                            #23.5 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 7:03 PM EST
                                                                            Reply

                                                                            Thank God the Florida Judge and Prosecuter are standing up for the law rather than the criminal, who stalked an unarmed teenage boy and shot him against the advice of trained personnel, who advised him to stop stalking the boy. Whose child will be targeted next on his list for stalking and killing? This is exactly the kind of monster that the law is designed to protect the public and people from, and he is the poster boy for every armed and violent right wing group in the country. He has already demonstrated to the public and to the court that he is a killer of children, and a liar to the judicial system. What other violence does he have to commit to have him put away forever, where the sun don't shine?

                                                                            • 10 votes
                                                                            Reply#24 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:31 PM EST

                                                                            Do you have any proof that he disregarded the police instructions? If you listen to Zimmerman's 911 call, it certainly sounds like he stopped following Trayvon when he was told to.

                                                                            And how badly do you think Zimmerman should have let Trayvon beat him until he protected himself?

                                                                            • 2 votes
                                                                            #24.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:41 PM EST

                                                                            George should have been back to the truck in the ample time he had after he said "okay" to the police dispatcher.

                                                                            This video proves this fact by using the timing of George's NEN call:

                                                                            Click> A Walk With Marinade Dave, The Conclusion

                                                                            • 8 votes
                                                                            #24.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:56 PM EST

                                                                            Wow......Zimmerman is no small man. If he did not feel up to the job he shouldn't have taken it. If he really is a watchmen for the neighborhood. I doubt a person who is afraid of being beat up by a kid is going to volunteer. Twist it any way you want, but he should not have taken the gun with him to ask a teen questions and if he felt vulnerable because the teen was too big he should have stayed in his car. And isn't it funny that now there isn't even a mark on Z however Trayvon........

                                                                            • 6 votes
                                                                            #24.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:00 PM EST

                                                                            YAHTC,

                                                                            Trayvon should have been back at his house in the ample time after Zimmerman said "Okay" to the police dispatcher.

                                                                            Mouse,

                                                                            It looks like taking the gun was the right choice. If Zimmerman hadn't been armed, Trayvon probably would have beaten him to death.

                                                                            • 1 vote
                                                                            #24.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:00 PM EST

                                                                            The dispatcher didn't tell Trayvon to go home. He told George to stop following.

                                                                            • 10 votes
                                                                            #24.5 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:08 PM EST

                                                                            That is George's version of events, Scuba.

                                                                            All of the witnesses that saw the struggle simply said that the two were "wrestling". None of them mentioned any pounding or hitting.

                                                                            • 7 votes
                                                                            #24.6 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:10 PM EST

                                                                            Except the one who said Trayvon was raining down punches MMA style...

                                                                            And we know there was at least some pounding going on, unless Zimmerman's nose spontaneously broke itself?

                                                                            • 1 vote
                                                                            #24.7 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:20 PM EST

                                                                            Except the one who said Trayvon was raining down punches MMA style...[Scuba]

                                                                            That witness (#6) retracted his statement about the MMA hitting, and simply said they were wrestling.

                                                                            • 7 votes
                                                                            #24.8 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:28 PM EST

                                                                            By the way, George Zimmerman had rage issues and once was required by a court to take an anger management course.

                                                                            • 7 votes
                                                                            #24.9 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:30 PM EST

                                                                            Except the one who said Trayvon was raining down punches MMA style...

                                                                            Missed the retraction, huh?

                                                                            And we know there was at least some pounding going on, unless Zimmerman's nose spontaneously broke itself?

                                                                            You have just offered a self defeating argument. No medical evidence of a broken nose.

                                                                            • 9 votes
                                                                            #24.10 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:08 PM EST

                                                                            No medical evidence of a broken nose.

                                                                            Do you really think its going to make any difference to the jury whether it was technically broken or not, that one picture is worth a thousand words.

                                                                              #24.11 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 11:01 AM EST

                                                                              Yes, because the jury is instructed to make a finding based on fact, and the fact is, there is no evidence of a broken nose.

                                                                              Sorry about your luck on that one.

                                                                              • 8 votes
                                                                              #24.12 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 7:07 PM EST

                                                                              What kind of luck do you think youre going to have with that jury believing Martin didnt beat Zimmerman?

                                                                                #24.13 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 10:53 AM EST

                                                                                Why did GZ's firearm have GZ's blood on it?

                                                                                A compact 9MM which from reviews says it's uncomfortable to shoot for target practice.

                                                                                The next question is.....did GZ have a one...or 2 handed grip in his weapon?

                                                                                A 2 handed grip would indicate that GZ had BOTH HANDS free to defend himself.

                                                                                A one handed grip on a firearm with that kind of recoil?.......A very good chance that GZ got wacked in the nose by his own weapon when he pulled the trigger....hence GZ's blood on the slide and the hammer.

                                                                                Does anyone think that GZ's pride would let him admit he got his nose busted by the recoil of his own? firearm?

                                                                                • 5 votes
                                                                                #24.14 - Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:29 PM EST
                                                                                Reply

                                                                                In my opinion, the judge is protecting Zimmerman. Remove the GPS and let him live wherever he wants. The taxpayers will have one less person to worry about, if you get my drift ;)

                                                                                • 5 votes
                                                                                Reply#25 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:41 PM EST

                                                                                Well, that's not saying you want to hang Zimmerman from a tree, as I predicted would be said, but I'll take the subtext of wishing for his death as being equal!

                                                                                All my predictions at the top of the comments with the exception of the clueless Spammer realized, and much faster than I thought! Thanks!

                                                                                  #25.1 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:11 PM EST

                                                                                  All my predictions at the top of the comments with the exception of the clueless Spammer realized, and much faster than I thought! Thanks!

                                                                                  What are you talking about? "You All Have Thoughtful Comments" has been spamming their normal message this whole time.

                                                                                  • 2 votes
                                                                                  #25.2 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:22 PM EST

                                                                                  It is only spam in Zimmerland.

                                                                                  • 6 votes
                                                                                  #25.3 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:38 PM EST

                                                                                  Funny how the Zimmerman's call the publicly available information in this case that points to the fallacies in their logic and the contradictions in Zimmerman's statements "spam". LOL.

                                                                                  • 8 votes
                                                                                  #25.4 - Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:15 PM EST

                                                                                  yeah i guess so but i dont see any fallacies. Walking to the street and back takes about 2 minutes. Wow exactly when Treyvon decided to jump him? You COMPLETLY disregard the fact Trayvon went NOWHERE for 2 minutes is what I find mind boggling.

                                                                                    #25.5 - Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:31 PM EST

                                                                                    Why would Trayvon have been obligated to go anywhere other than where he was? He had every legal right to be there. If he chose to stop, believing he had lost the guy who was following him through the neighborhood, and continue his conversation on the phone, there was absolutely nothing what so ever wrong in that.

                                                                                    And keep in mind, when Trayvon began running in a direction away from George Zimmerman, he had seen George follow him by vehicle only, and George was still in his car. Trayvon had no way of knowing that Zimmerman had gotten out of his vehicle to chase him on foot. The area he was in was not accessable by vehicle. Therefore, it was perfectly reasonable for him to assume that he was no longer being followed.

                                                                                    • 7 votes
                                                                                    #25.6 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 1:22 AM EST

                                                                                    Therefore, it was perfectly reasonable for him to assume that he was no longer being followed.

                                                                                    Exactly DOCJT!

                                                                                    • 4 votes
                                                                                    #25.7 - Thu Dec 13, 2012 8:31 PM EST
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