The sensationalizing by the media is disgusting. However, a quick look at the facts do elicit some questions that must be answered.
The facts:
In my opinion, the entire case rests on a few variables:
If you step back and look at it from Martin's side. What would you have done in the same situation? I can only say that, at 17, I would have jumped on someone following me and chasing me in the dark. I would have done my best to whoop their butt as well.
This is a tough one and, while Martin wasn't an angel, at this point I think Zimmerman screwed up bad and deserves to go to jail for manslaughter. I may change that as the evidence unfolds though.
The facts:
- Trayvon Martin got in trouble at school in Miami and was suspended for 10 days.
- His dad made him go to Sanford with him for the week so that he would not sit around the house enjoying his suspension.
- Martin was at the house while his dad and the fiance went out for dinner.
- He called his dad and asked if he could please walk up to the store to get some snacks because he was going stir crazy in the house. (my words)
- It was extremely dark and was lightly raining.
- Martin walked up to the store.
- Martin was walking back to the house with snacks.
- Martin was wearing a hoodie in the rain.
- Zimmerman was leaving to go to the store to get his lunch for work the next day.
- He saw Martin and called 911
- Zimmerman followed Martin
- Zimmerman lost Martin
- Zimmerman went looking for him.
- Zimmerman's flashlight wasn't working
- Zimmerman suddenly came upon Martin
- A fight ensued
- Zimmerman got his butt handed to him
- Zimmerman shot Martin.
In my opinion, the entire case rests on a few variables:
- The nature of the fight / who attacked who
- Can you resort to deadly force if you are in a fight and begin losing?
- If yes, does it matter if you started the fight?
If you step back and look at it from Martin's side. What would you have done in the same situation? I can only say that, at 17, I would have jumped on someone following me and chasing me in the dark. I would have done my best to whoop their butt as well.
This is a tough one and, while Martin wasn't an angel, at this point I think Zimmerman screwed up bad and deserves to go to jail for manslaughter. I may change that as the evidence unfolds though.
