Trayvon Martin: Zimmermen Arrested

[DGTCrazy]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/11/us-usa-florida-shooting-zimmerman-idUSBRE83A1ET20120411


What an intense case. I hope things work out for the best.

[dwvinky]

Could it have really gone any other way?

[chrisr777]

This will not go well. But, that being said, it's about time.

[DWB1960]

18+ pages EASY!

[The_Wretched]

I hope so too. This happened in my back yard.

[DGDGBD]

18+ pages EASY!
This would be a good thread to invoke post limits!

[In Absentia]

This feels strange. Seems to be less about justice than bowing to pressure. I have no opinion on the actual case as the evidence presented is obviously incomplete.

[RobertMiller]

I'm glad that there is at least some sense of reason finally at work here. It's a damn shame what happened, however it happened. It's also sad to see just how much the media wants to incite racial discord for profit. Too many people are invested in one side hating another.

[Benjam226]

A lot of people are blaming the "Stand Your Ground" law, claiming it "allowed" Zimmerman to murder Martin, but IMO Zimmerman had no right to follow Martin and incite confrontation just to justify "standing his ground." More like "Moving his ground to wherever Martin is."

[rob2001]

Could it have really gone any other way?


Yes, but not without riots.

[CowTipton]

Yes, but not without riots.


Riots delayed until he's found not guilty.

[Steeltoe]

As horrible as the event was, it could prove difficult to get a conviction,
due to the "stand your ground" rule, and the lack of witnesses.
And if Zimmerman is being classified as a "white hispanic", does this mean our president is a now a "white black"?
Let's see how this unfolds.

[antojado]

18+ pages EASY!

Easy! With tons of conjecture, jumping to conclusions, bickering, suspensions, and butt hurt! Entertainment galore!

[Mike Anderson]

Riots delayed until the next time Kentucky wins a basketball game.

FTFY.

[DWB1960]

Riots delayed until Vancouver loses another Stanley Cup.

Fixed.

[ACfixer]

This feels strange. Seems to be less about justice than bowing to pressure. I have no opinion on the actual case as the evidence presented is obviously incomplete.

My sentiments exactly. I have no opinion, no dog in the fight... but the fact it took this long to arrest him smells foul in some way, I'm just not sure in what way.

[Neer]

This feels strange. Seems to be less about justice than bowing to pressure. I have no opinion on the actual case as the evidence presented is obviously incomplete.

It's all about justice. We live in a democracy and people have a right to demand justice. Without these protests, this file would have just disappeared into the abyss.

[LHanson]

The Big Question: What happens if he's found not guilty?

[guitarpkr67]

Riots delayed until he's found not guilty.

My thoughts exactly. If for whatever reason he is found not guilty things are gonna get bad.

[ACfixer]

It's all about justice. We live in a democracy and people have a right to demand justice. Without these protests, this file would have just disappeared into the abyss.

But if he is being arrested to appease protestors rather than to serve justice... then justice is not being served. I'm not saying that is the case here, but it seems odd that it took so long to arrest this guy with what appears very clear evidence that he should have been if the news reports were to be believed verbatim. Let's just hope that everything else aside, the truth abides. We only know what the media tells us, and history tells me that isn't the truth at least half the time. Stay tuned.

[lcjc800]

this seat taken.....



:munch

[LDS22]

It's all about justice. We live in a democracy and people have a right to demand justice. Without these protests, this file would have just disappeared into the abyss.

agreed. at least we will now have a trial that has preset rules; you know, actual ADMISSABLE evidence and reasonable courtroom proceedings. i think both parties deserve that much.

[SlyStrat]

Riots delayed until he's found not guilty.

I agree.

I think the Stand Your Ground law is too lenient.
I have a Concealed Carry license in Ohio, and the laws are way more strict.

Hope the TRUTH comes out in this one.

[SteveO]

The Big Question: What happens if he's found not guilty?

Things could get freaky either way if it turns into a big race issue.

[LDS22]

^^^ My post was amended. Let's just hope the truth comes out.

mine too. :beer

actually just deleted...

[mbargav]

It's all about justice. We live in a democracy and people have a right to demand justice. Without these protests, this file would have just disappeared into the abyss.

Very well said.

[mike shaw]

Why was Zimmerman carrying a gun? Did he have a CC permit?

[stevieboy]

But if he is being arrested to appease protestors rather than to serve justice... then justice is not being served. I'm not saying that is the case here, but it seems odd that it took so long to arrest this guy with what appears very clear evidence that he should have been if the news reports were to be believed verbatim. Let's just hope that everything else aside, the truth abides. We only know what the media tells us, and history tells me that isn't the truth at least half the time. Stay tuned.

The case was being blown off locally, and through the efforts of his family came to wider attention. From that came protests, but also came the further investigation that should have happened in the first place. I think the attention brought about the investigation more than a bunch of people wearing hoodies, hard to say exactly. Certainly public outcry played a part in that attention, but it's a stretch to say that pursuing this case is simply to appease anyone. What matters is that it doesn't seem the local powers were going to proceed with anything. To me whether he was initially arrested was just an indication of that, and not the key element, which was that they seemed happy to just let it slide.

So they brought in an outside prosecutor, who investigated and finally decided to bring second degree murder charges. And that's where we are today. There's no certainty there will even be a trial. A judge could throw it out somewhere between now and a trial. There could be a plea bargain. If it does get to trial, who knows what the outcome will be? Both Zimmerman and the family deserve their day in court, regardless of public opinion.

[Joisey]

But if he is being arrested to appease protestors rather than to serve justice... then justice is not being served. I'm not saying that is the case here, but it seems odd that it took so long to arrest this guy with what appears very clear evidence that he should have been if the news reports were to be believed verbatim. Let's just hope that everything else aside, the truth abides. We only know what the media tells us, and history tells me that isn't the truth at least half the time. Stay tuned.
How about this, was he not arrested initially to appease his father who is a retired Judge? It works both ways.

[ACfixer]

Like I said, let's hope truth prevails.

[SteveO]

How about this, was he not arrested initially to appease his father who is a retired Judge?


I hadn't heard that part. Yeah, this one's gonna get freaky...

[Jonnygeetard]

Why did it take this long?
Second degree murder? Really?

[crunchman]

He should have let the cops handle the matter ! As far as I know this was public property the black dude was walking on.

[ACfixer]

How about this, was he not arrested initially to appease his father who is a retired Judge? It works both ways.

Well see, that's what I mean... if it turns out something like this is the case, then some other heads need to roll.

There's also the distinct possibility that it just took this long to gather enough evidence to support the charges going to trial. I'd really like to think there isn't anything sinister going on here, nothing racial, no back-scratching etc... I guess we're going to find out soon enough.

[stevieboy]

Like I said, let's hope truth prevails.

Someone's interpretation of the truth will. There really isn't one truth in things like this. Other than that a kid is dead, of course.

[Joisey]

Well see, that's what I mean... if it turns out something like this is the case, then some other heads need to roll.

There's also the distinct possibility that it just took this long to gather enough evidence to support the charges going to trial. I'd really like to think there isn't anything sinister going on here, nothing racial, no back-scratching etc... I guess we're going to find out soon enough.
Indeed.

[madstrat]

imo

dude goes chuck norris and stalks the kid

kid gets around the guy and steals a sucker punch

dude freaks, kills kid

i'm thinking 1st degree manslaughter

[whitecadillac]

My reaction to the delay in charging him was that the reportedly tough and smart special prosecutor wanted to get it right.

[stvnscott]

I agree.

I think the Stand Your Ground law is too lenient.
I have a Concealed Carry license in Ohio, and the laws are way more strict.

Hope the TRUTH comes out in this one.

I don't think SYG even applies in this case for a variety of reasons. I think we have just been suckered into talking about it as if it does apply by the people who don't like it.

In any case, :munch.

[crosse79]

Someone's interpretation of the truth will. There really isn't one truth in things like this. Other than that a kid is dead, of course.

Much wisdom is what being said here.

[84superchamp]

A lot of people are blaming the "Stand Your Ground" law, claiming it "allowed" Zimmerman to murder Martin, but IMO Zimmerman had no right to follow Martin and incite confrontation just to justify "standing his ground." More like "Moving his ground to wherever Martin is."

i know this is a serious subject but..i LOLed when i read your last sentence.
i think the law would have to state "standing your own ground as it moves".
call it The Earthquake Clause

[coralreefer]

This feels strange. Seems to be less about justice than bowing to pressure. I have no opinion on the actual case as the evidence presented is obviously incomplete.

Agreed...I don't know evidence...don't know guilt or innocence of Zimmerman...not playing race card. Just feels like "persuit of justice" could have been much different if not for public pressure. Would less public attention been met with no charges or lesser charges? This is one of those times I feel legal system "moving" with the wind. I hope justice is served.

[Tele Wacker]

The streets will not be safe, in any city!
It's Trayvon's own fault that he is dead. He was way out of place. Zimmerman was way out of wack! This won't end soon and when it does, it won't be good.
I'm surprised but glad this discussion came up.

[ComanchePlayer]

But if he is being arrested to appease protestors rather than to serve justice... then justice is not being served. I'm not saying that is the case here, but it seems odd that it took so long to arrest this guy with what appears very clear evidence that he should have been if the news reports were to be believed verbatim. Let's just hope that everything else aside, the truth abides. We only know what the media tells us, and history tells me that isn't the truth at least half the time. Stay tuned.

Especially considering the media really got this thing fired up by posting 5 year old pics of both people involved. Martin was 17, yet the media uses pics from when he was 12 and pics of Zimmerman that are actually a mug shot from 5 years ago if I recall. The pics are clearly chosen to support a template set by the media.

[SteveO]

Especially considering the media really got this thing fired up by posting 5 year old pics of both people involved. Martin was 17, yet the media uses pics from when he was 12 and pics of Zimmerman that are actually a mug shot from 5 years ago if I recall. The pics are clearly chosen to support a template set by the media.

Trial by Media...

[EricPeterson]

This feels strange. Seems to be less about justice than bowing to pressure. I have no opinion on the actual case as the evidence presented is obviously incomplete.

Maybe the pressure actually brought justice.

[EricPeterson]

The streets will not be safe, in any city!
It's Trayvon's own fault that he is dead. He was way out of place. Zimmerman was way out of wack! This won't end soon and when it does, it won't be good.
I'm surprised but glad this discussion came up.

there are no words.

[SteveO]

there are no words.

I took that as having a ton of sarcasm. Otherwise, no comment.

[EricPeterson]

I took that as having a ton of sarcasm. Otherwise, no comment.

I hope you are right. I have definitely been missing some otherwise obvious sarcasm recently.

[19181911]

Now Zimmerman will be given a chance to prove he acted in self-defense and all the facts will come out.

I'm wondering why the media tried to incite racial tension by basing their reporting on an edited version of the 911 tape, that is criminal IMHO.

I wonder why some can get away with putting a bounty on someone, mind-boggling.

[calpa94]

Things could get freaky either way if it turns into a big race issue.

It's already been turned into a big race issue thanks to the media and race hustlers.

[partytrain]

How do you find an impartial Jury? That's the toughest part.

Feels a lot like Mob Justice to me.

[partytrain]

It's already been turned into a big race issue thanks to the media and race hustlers.

Cough cough al Sharpton cough cough

[ComanchePlayer]

It's already been turned into a big race issue thanks to the media and race hustlers.

And this won't stop as long as there are people in this country getting rich off of playing the race card.

[EricPeterson]

well this is going as expected.

[stratzrus]

I don't think SYG even applies in this case for a variety of reasons. I think we have just been suckered into talking about it as if it does apply by the people who don't like it.We have not been "suckered".

The reason why Stand Your Ground is being discussed is that it was offered by the police department as the reason why Zimmerman could not be arrested. This is despite Zimmerman's lawyers not claiming it as a defense and the author of the law declaring it not applicable in this case.

All of the media reports on both sides, the protests, the speculation about what happened and why, don't amount to a hill of beans. All that matters is the evidence that will be presented if it goes to trial, as I suspect it will.

It is likely that there are things that we don't know that were uncovered during the investigation. They may prove to condemn or exonerate Zimmerman, but at this point we really don't know either way.

At least we can hope that, as a result of the actions taken today, facts will replace speculation and in the best of all worlds the truth will come out and justice will be served.

[SteveO]

well this is going as expected.

Yep, tread lightly. All we can do is speculate, but somebody's going to wind up with an infraction before it's all over with anyway. I don't plan on being "that guy".

[EricPeterson]

I'm wondering why the media tried to incite racial tension by basing their reporting on an edited version of the 911 tape, that is criminal IMHO.

Not the media, but one media outlet, and the guy who made the tape was fired.

I wonder why some can get away with putting a bounty on someone, mind-boggling.

Have they got away with it?

[big mike]

No way to discuss this openly within the rules IMO.