Trayvon Martin Shooter Still Not Arrested

[Babe Ruth]

No, you need to read it again. The lawyer is suggesting that Zimmerman could potentially have suffered the same type of head trauma as an infant does when they are shaken. He is supporting the self defence on the basis that Trayvon allegedly was bashing Zimmerman's head into the ground and thereby rattling his brain inside his skull potentially killing him if Zimmerman had not acted to stop him by shooting him.

Either way, it's spin, and that was my only point. Once the lawyers get involved it's all spin. The truth be damned, victory must be achieved.

Common Sense does work.

[Babe Ruth]

And Then

The evidence is scant, that we are a nation of laws.

Actually you're right that we are a nation of laws, but the trouble is that we are NOT a nation under the rule of law. That is, in this country the rule of law does not exist where it matters.

The rule of law is meant to restrain the government. The important laws enumerate the powers of the government, and restrain it from encroaching upon the individual.

It seems to me that Zimmerman's defense is a fantasy. It does not even meet the language of the statute. It cannot prevail, because of that.

[+susieice]

If Z was the one screaming for help then after he got no help fired in self defense there would be no need to keep screaming. Him walking around and around the body seems like the actions of someone in shock. If I had just killed someone and had not been planning it I'm sure I would be feeling a little surreal about the whole experience. It would be a nightmare. He may well have been thinking "what did I just do?", "What happened?".

I hope that if what the Paras report seems to support Z's claims, the whole incident will begin to be discussed more rationally. Too many people are becoming invested in the outcome from both points of view and will be demanding "justice" as they see it. And THIS is why the government at all levels should be attempting to calm the public before the Grand Jury returns their verdict. I think the public should be reminded that we're a nation of laws and that interfering in that process might cost them their own freedom.

I certainly agree with you here. I think you and I may differ on how valid the story as Zimmerman tells it is. I have my questions and I don't agree with armed people running the streets looking for a reason to confront someone (edited to add: just because of the way they are dressed or for simply walking down the street). There is still no indication the teen was doing anything wrong to arouse suspicion of anything. I wouldn't like that from the police. That's not allowed by them. It's up to the courts to decide what will be done in this case. Only in court will all the evidences and testimonies from both sides be revealed. In a lot of ways this is like the Casey Anthony trial. Many of us didn't like the verdict but that's just the way it went. Actions were taken to change the law and that may well happen in this case also.

Edited April 7, 2012 by susieice

[+and-then]

And Then

The evidence is scant, that we are a nation of laws.

Actually you're right that we are a nation of laws, but the trouble is that we are NOT a nation under the rule of law. That is, in this country the rule of law does not exist where it matters.

The rule of law is meant to restrain the government. The important laws enumerate the powers of the government, and restrain it from encroaching upon the individual.

It seems to me that Zimmerman's defense is a fantasy. It does not even meet the language of the statute. It cannot prevail, because of that.

I agree that we do not have blind justice. I agree that the trend is toward a dangerous imbalance of the coequal powers that our republic was built on. I disagree with assuming this man's guilt or innocence based on news reporting that has obviously been slanted.

And you might ask yourself, Babe Ruth, if Z is acquitted would you support violence in answer to that acquittal? Because very many have already decided that is just if it occurs. You can tell from the media coverage that it is so. Once we start down that path, then we give government a nicely wrapped excuse to take even more of our liberties. We should ALL be concerned about that eventuality. A time may come when Americans have to take to the streets in armed opposition to perceived injustice but it should be for reasons other than being part of a media fueled lynch mob IMO.

[+susieice]

We need to ask ourselves if things like this are really what we want for our nation.

http://news.yahoo.com/manhunt-underway-tulsa-gunman-kills-3-211007756.html

I can't say this incident has anything to do with the case we are discussing here, but I do hope we don't see more and more incidents like this, from either side. I agree the President needs to lead in urging people not to take to violence and self appointed vigilantism. People are people and we all have the right to walk down the street or sit on our porches without fearing harm.

[+and-then]

We need to ask ourselves if things like this are really what we want for our nation.

http://news.yahoo.com/manhunt-underway-tulsa-gunman-kills-3-211007756.html

I can't say this incident has anything to do with the case we are discussing here, but I do hope we don't see more and more incidents like this, from either side. I agree the President needs to lead in urging people not to take to violence and self appointed vigilantism. People are people and we all have the right to walk down the street or sit on our porches without fearing harm.

The authorities in Tulsa are distrusted and it sounds like with good reason if the story is true. This Rev. Blakney is doing what our president should be doing. Trying to calm the anger and fear before more blood is shed. If I was a black man in Tulsa I'd surely be armed and would escort my child or wife anywhere they went. This is another case of an area that is tinder dry. There are probably more that haven't come to the surface yet.

Edited April 8, 2012 by and then

[Babe Ruth]

I agree that we do not have blind justice. I agree that the trend is toward a dangerous imbalance of the coequal powers that our republic was built on. I disagree with assuming this man's guilt or innocence based on news reporting that has obviously been slanted.

And you might ask yourself, Babe Ruth, if Z is acquitted would you support violence in answer to that acquittal? Because very many have already decided that is just if it occurs. You can tell from the media coverage that it is so. Once we start down that path, then we give government a nicely wrapped excuse to take even more of our liberties. We should ALL be concerned about that eventuality. A time may come when Americans have to take to the streets in armed opposition to perceived injustice but it should be for reasons other than being part of a media fueled lynch mob IMO.

No I would not support violence. I am a Libertarian and we've taken an oath to never initiate violence. But I understand that violence is a part of the human condition.

I've known for about 40 years now that the government does not give a damn about what I think, and neither does the rest of society. Media fueled lynch mobs have been 'round for at least many decades, brought on by the crisis mentality also peddled by that media. What's going to happen is pretty much what's going to happen

Our liberties have been severely curtailed as government usurps power. Past tense. The Unpatriot Act is 10 years old.

This case will be interesting to follow.

[+susieice]

No I would not support violence. I am a Libertarian and we've taken an oath to never initiate violence. But I understand that violence is a part of the human condition.

I've known for about 40 years now that the government does not give a damn about what I think, and neither does the rest of society. Media fueled lynch mobs have been 'round for at least many decades, brought on by the crisis mentality also peddled by that media. What's going to happen is pretty much what's going to happen

Our liberties have been severely curtailed as government usurps power. Past tense. The Unpatriot Act is 10 years old.

This case will be interesting to follow.

They've made an arrest in the case already.

http://news.yahoo.com/police-2-suspects-arrested-oklahoma-shootings-102425846.html

Another trial for the country to go through? We'll hear more about this I'm sure.

[Pyridium]

I have followed this Trayvon story every day since it broke on the news. Last week MSNBC did 100% coverage with Ed and Lawrence. What happened to real news anchors? All I see on MSNBC is a bunch of hate mongers with a far liberal agenda. Anchors, no, activists, yes. And Dear Al Sharpton, he makes the news, then covers himself creating the news, what a job.

Why is Zimmerman not arrested yet? Simple! The police have all of the physical evidence from the shooting incident. They found something that incriminates Trayvon?

All we hear is that Trayvon was racially profiled, hunted like a rabbid dog and shot in cold blood all while carrying just a cell phone, box of skittles and an iced tea. Nobody has yet asked, "what else was Trayvon carrying on his person that night"?

If it was just iced tea and skittles, Zimmerman would have been arrested that same night. Just my thoughts.

[libstaK]

I have followed this Trayvon story every day since it broke on the news. Last week MSNBC did 100% coverage with Ed and Lawrence. What happened to real news anchors? All I see on MSNBC is a bunch of hate mongers with a far liberal agenda. Anchors, no, activists, yes. And Dear Al Sharpton, he makes the news, then covers himself creating the news, what a job.

Why is Zimmerman not arrested yet? Simple! The police have all of the physical evidence from the shooting incident. They found something that incriminates Trayvon?

All we hear is that Trayvon was racially profiled, hunted like a rabbid dog and shot in cold blood all while carrying just a cell phone, box of skittles and an iced tea. Nobody has yet asked, "what else was Trayvon carrying on his person that night"?

If it was just iced tea and skittles, Zimmerman would have been arrested that same night. Just my thoughts.

The fact that Trayvon was unarmed barring those items is not disputed by either side of this argument - your conjecture has no basis and is outside the causes of the incident under debate. Yes, alot of people have asked that question NO evidence has been presented suggesting he was carrying ANYTHING else in terms of weaponry.

I cannot believe the police would not state it if he was carrying a weapon given the public outcry they are dealing with, it would be the FIRST thing they would make public, simple as that.

[+and-then]

UPDATE 4/9/12

http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/09/us/florida-teen-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

No Grand Jury needed according to Special Prosecutor. Still no arrest.

[Pyridium]

Why would he be arrested?

Here are the facts from the Zimmerman side. 911 call to report a suspect, requested police respond. Followed Trayvon while in the vehicle until Trayvon went away from the streen toward the rear of the appartment complex. Z stopped the car, ran toward the rear of the complex, told the dispatcher Trayvon started running behind the appts. Dispatch told Z not to chase. Z continued toward the opposite street to get the address number to give to the police. Z had the police on his cell phone and was giving them directions. Z was walking back to his vehicle when Trayvon surprised Z with a fight. Nobody is asking if Trayvon had drugs in his system or if he carried a knife or possible stolen articles.

All we hear on msnbc is that Trayvon was hunted, profiled and shot in cold blood. Why do they push such nonsense. I do hope Al Sharpton gets arrested for instigating a riot. Z said "f..... cold", not "f..... coon", yet Z is painted as a racist. NBC has tried in vane to paint this as a hate crime.

If the State Attorney has any evidence of wrong doing, she will make the arrest, I just don't see that happening.

The protesters should be going after the law, not this mis-carriage of judgement by a lynch mod mentality.

[+and-then]

Why would he be arrested?

Here are the facts from the Zimmerman side. 911 call to report a suspect, requested police respond. Followed Trayvon while in the vehicle until Trayvon went away from the streen toward the rear of the appartment complex. Z stopped the car, ran toward the rear of the complex, told the dispatcher Trayvon started running behind the appts. Dispatch told Z not to chase. Z continued toward the opposite street to get the address number to give to the police. Z had the police on his cell phone and was giving them directions. Z was walking back to his vehicle when Trayvon surprised Z with a fight. Nobody is asking if Trayvon had drugs in his system or if he carried a knife or possible stolen articles.

All we hear on msnbc is that Trayvon was hunted, profiled and shot in cold blood. Why do they push such nonsense. I do hope Al Sharpton gets arrested for instigating a riot. Z said "f..... cold", not "f..... coon", yet Z is painted as a racist. NBC has tried in vane to paint this as a hate crime.

If the State Attorney has any evidence of wrong doing, she will make the arrest, I just don't see that happening.

The protesters should be going after the law, not this mis-carriage of judgement by a lynch mod mentality.

I totally agree on all points. I was just pointing out the current status. There will be a news conference in just over an hour by the Special Prosecutor. Rumor is that he will be arrested. Who knows...... but if he isn't, things are going to get lively tonight.

[+and-then]

UPDATE:

Zimmerman in custody, charged with second degree murder.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/george-zimmerman-charged-trayvon-martin-killing/story?id=16115469

[docyabut2]

I suppose there got to be a trial on the true facts and in the distortions of the media, or there will be no closure.

[+and-then]

I suppose there got to be a trial on the true facts and in the distortions of the media, or there will be no closure.

So many people have already made up their minds on the issue that I'm not sure there will ever be closure; but at least evidence will finally be made public for those who do have an open mind. And most importantly, the trial should stop violence from happening.

[Babe Ruth]

The special prosecutor has restored a bit of faith in the criminal justice system, as I see it.

I found her statements professional, and her actions correct and appropriate.

The statements of the family were poignant and gracious.

[docyabut2]

The way I see it even though Trayvon might have jumped on Zimmerman banging his head frist,they were rolling in the grass by whitesses.Zimmerman had to be standing to shoot trayvon or else there would have been blood all over him. He could have said stop or I will shoot, but then again in fear of his life just shot.however I don`nt think it was a race crime.

Edited April 13, 2012 by docyabut2

[Farmer77]

Grass stains and bruises are hardly a butt whooping. Certainly not something to fear for your life.Triage isn't going to cure a broken nose like they say he sustained. If his head was banged on cement, he would need a little more than what that police department gave him.

A question for you : Have you ever had your ass really kicked? Ever been in a situation where you were physically dominated by a stranger who is hurting you? Have you ever been alone at night and had a man attack you?

I'm not asking to be argumentative. I honestly believe that unless youve been in those kind of situations you cannot truly comprehend the fear being felt.

[+susieice]

A question for you : Have you ever had your ass really kicked? Ever been in a situation where you were physically dominated by a stranger who is hurting you? Have you ever been alone at night and had a man attack you?

I'm not asking to be argumentative. I honestly believe that unless youve been in those kind of situations you cannot truly comprehend the fear being felt.

Fortunately, no. But I have been followed and I didn't like it. I was able to get to a public place and was alright. Right now as I type, we have a man in a van stalking where I work trying to pick up the females going in and out and when you start at 6:30 AM or leave at 11:PM, that's a scary thing. We notified police who are watching for the described vehicle. Our security is also watching and our facility is camera equipped. No one will chase or confront the person. Not every vehicle of the description given will be the guilty party. We have a large facility and a lot of vehicles come and go. That will be left to the police to find out. They do have a description of the man who was driving.

We also had one of our elderly apartment residents robbed by a man who tried to enter the security door into the facility. I'm happy to say the police caught him 2 days later and he is in jail.

Edited April 13, 2012 by susieice

[Varelse]

A question for you : Have you ever had your ass really kicked? Ever been in a situation where you were physically dominated by a stranger who is hurting you? Have you ever been alone at night and had a man attack you?

I'm not asking to be argumentative. I honestly believe that unless youve been in those kind of situations you cannot truly comprehend the fear being felt.

Yes, more than once. Again, bouncers can be a b****. Yes. Jumped three times in my life. Even mugged by mexican federales and their little gang. (And no I wasn't peeing in the alley.) But what's anything like that have to do with this case? A gun would have surely made all those situations much much worse for me under any outcome.