OT: Zimmerman Not Guilty

[darken65]

This ,IMO, was a tragedy in that both were at fault for. Zimmerman for pursuing outside of what a neighborhood watch progam is for ,Martin for confronting him instead of just going to his destination. In the end ,one is dead and the other took a beating. Murder? no. We really don't know much about how the actual fight went down. The jury called this one correct based on the charge against Zimmerman.

 

[erckm510]

Zimmerman killed an unarmed teen because he lost a fight. I understand the reasonable doubt and the prosecution shouldn't have gone for a murder 2 charge. But that doesn't make GZ any less of a bitch. He feared for a his life because he can't use his fists like a man.

 

[Flyingiguana]

God, is that you?

no, i just woke up

 

[optimist4720]

Inconsistent application of the laws in Florida

Inequality at its worst....same state slightly different results points to a lack of consistency..."TAMPA, Fla. -- Marissa Alexander had never been arrested before she fired a bullet at a wall one day in 2010 to scare off her husband when she felt he was threatening her. Nobody got hurt, but this month a northeast Florida judge was bound by state law to sentence her to 20 years in prison.

Alexander, a 31-year-old mother of a toddler and 11-year-old twins, knew it was coming. She had claimed self-defense, tried to invoke Florida's "stand your ground" law and rejected plea deals that could have gotten her a much shorter sentence. A jury found her guilty as charged: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Because she fired a gun while committing a felony, Florida's mandatory-minimum gun law dictated the 20-year sentence.

Her case in Jacksonville has drawn a fresh round of criticism aimed at mandatory-minimum sentencing laws. The local NAACP chapter and the district's African-American congresswoman say blacks more often are incarcerated for long periods because of overzealous prosecutors and judges bound by the wrong-headed statute. Alexander is black.

It also has added fuel to the controversy over Florida's "stand your ground" law, which the judge would not allow Alexander to invoke. State Attorney Angela Corey, who also is overseeing the prosecution of shooter George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin case, stands by the handling of Alexander's case. Corey says she believes Alexander aimed the gun at the man and his two sons, and the bullet she fired could have ricocheted and hit any of them.

At the May 11 sentencing, Alexander's relatives begged Circuit Judge James Daniel for leniency but he said the decision was "out of my hands."

"The Legislature has not given me the discretion to do what the family and many others have asked me to do," he said.

The state's "10-20-life" law was implemented in 1999 and credited with helping to lower the violent crime rate. Anyone who shows a gun in the commission of certain felonies gets an automatic 10 years in prison. Fire the gun, and it's an automatic 20 years. Shoot and wound someone, and it's 25 years to life.

Critics say Alexander's case underscores the unfair sentences that can result when laws strip judges of discretion. About two-thirds of the states have mandatory-minimum sentencing laws, mostly for drug crimes, according to a website for the Families Against Mandatory Minimums advocacy group.

"We're not saying she's not guilty of a crime, we're not saying that she doesn't deserve some sort of sanction by the court," said Greg Newburn, Florida director for the group. Rather, he said, the judge should have the authority to decide an appropriate sanction after hearing all the unique circumstances of the case.




U.S. Rep. Corinne Brown, D-Jacksonville, has been an advocate for Alexander. Brown was present at the sentencing, where she and Corey had a brief, terse exchange afterward as sign-toting supporters rallied outside the courthouse.

"The Florida criminal justice system has sent two clear messages today," Brown said afterward. "One is that if women who are victims of domestic violence try to protect themselves, the `Stand Your Ground Law' will not apply to them. ... The second message is that if you are black, the system will treat you differently."

Victor Crist was a Republican state legislator who crafted the "10-20-life" bill enacted in 1999 in Gov. Jeb Bush's first term. He said Alexander's sentence – if she truly did fire a warning shot and wasn't trying to kill her husband – is not what lawmakers wanted.

"We were trying to get at the thug who was robbing a liquor store who had a gun in his possession or pulled out the gun and threatened someone or shot someone during the commission of the crime," said Crist, who served in the state House and Senate for 18 years before being elected Hillsborough County commissioner.

On Aug. 1, 2010, Alexander was working for a payroll software company. She was estranged from her husband, Rico Gray, and had a restraining order against him, even though they'd had a baby together just nine days before. Thinking he was gone, she went to their former home to retrieve the rest of her clothes, family members said.

An argument ensued, and Alexander said she feared for her life when she went out to her vehicle and retrieved the gun she legally owned. She came back inside and ended up firing a shot into the wall, which ricocheted into the ceiling.

Gray testified that he saw Alexander point the gun at him and looked away before she fired the shot. He claims she was the aggressor, and he had begged her to put away the weapon.

A judge threw out Alexander's "stand your ground" self-defense claim, noting that she could have run out of the house to escape her husband but instead got the gun and went back inside. Alexander rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in a three-year prison sentence and chose to go to trial. A jury deliberated 12 minutes before convicting her.

"The irony of the 10-20-life law is the people who actually think they're innocent of the crime, they roll the dice and take their chances, and they get the really harsh prison sentences," Newburn said. "Whereas the people who think they are actually guilty of the crime take the plea deal and get out (of prison) well before. So it certainly isn't working the way it is intended."

Alexander was also charged with domestic battery four months after the shooting in another assault on Gray. She pleaded no contest and was sentenced to time served.

Her family says that doesn't erase the fact that a relatively law-abiding person – a woman with a master's degree – who was making positive contributions to society will endure prison for two decades over a single violation in which no one was hurt.

"She had a restraining order against him. Now Marissa is incarcerated and he's not," said her father, Raoul Jenkins. "I'm wrestling with that in my mind and trying to determine how the system worked that detail out. It's really frustrating."

Newburn says Alexander's case is not an isolated incident, and that people ensnared by mandatory-minimum laws cross racial barriers.

In central Florida, a white man named Orville Lee Wollard is nearly two years into a 20-year sentence for firing his gun inside his house to scare his daughter's boyfriend. Prosecutors contended that Wollard was shooting at the young man and missed.

He rejected a plea deal that offered probation but no prison time. Like Alexander, he took his chances at trial and was convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm. Circuit Judge Donald Jacobsen said he was "duty bound" by the 10-20-life law to impose the harsh sentence.

"I would say that, if it wasn't for the minimum mandatory aspect of this, I would use my discretion and impose some separate sentence, having taken into consideration the circumstances of this event," Jacobsen said.

 

[rfjeff9]

It happens because we finally got some jurors with common sense who did not allow race to clor their judgement.

Yes, agree. My faith is restored in the justice system.

 

[EKmane]

What throws me off about the "beating" is there were a few of Zimmermans neighbors out and if he has getting his head bounced off the ground to the point where his life was in danger you don't think that his neighbors would've helped? I would probably help a stranger that was getting beat to death, but some of you think the men that witnessed the struggle would let their fellow neighbor get beat to death? What a joke!

George Zimmerman Neighbors Complained About Aggressive Tactics Before Trayvon Martin Killing

There were previous documented police complaints about Zimmerman's aggressive tactics. A quote from the article.

"Zimmerman, who patrolled the Retreat at Twin Lakes development in his own car, had been called aggressive in earlier complaints to the local police and the homeowner's association, according to a homeowner who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

At an emergency homeowner’s association meeting on March 1, “one man was escorted out because he openly expressed his frustration because he had previously contacted the Sanford Police Department about Zimmerman approaching him and even coming to his home,” the resident wrote in an email to HuffPost. “It was also made known that there had been several complaints about George Zimmerman and his tactics" in his neighborhood watch captain role."

 

[salone97]

Mike Vick had people testify against him. People need to step back and take a look at the case and what happened. There 3 people that know what happened that night, Trayvon, Zimmerman and God. Its a tragedy that a young man lost his life, but there wasn't enough evidence to convict Zimmerman without a reasonable doubt that he didn't fear for his life. some people argue that he shouldn't have got out his car, well the same could be said about trayvon attacking Zimmerman and breaking his nose and pounding his head into the concrete. Hindsight is 20/20. so many things could have played out differently that night. Lets also not be naïve to the fact that trayvon wasn't a saint. If you look at his texts tweets and history the kid was a little thug. Smoking weed, drinking "lean" fighting all the time and trying to acquire a gun. People let ignorance cloud their judgement. Step back and objectively look at the evidence there wasn't enough to justifiable send the man to jail for the rest of his life.

Are you a Saint? I don't think any of us are saints and the bible that states that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Or does that not apply to you? What does text messages or past incidents (whatever you are talking about) have to do with a 17 year black male not being able to walk to the store and back home without being harassed? Wake up.

 

[salone97]

Yes, agree. My faith is restored in the justice system.

Yeah, because we know Blacks always get over on the justice system right? I hope that hate in a lot of people's heart goes away. More of the same ignorance.

 

[threelittleturds]

I'd make sure I got in the spotlight if I was him. Now he has a chance to really cash in on the injustice done to him by even bringing this thing to trial. I don't think a lot of black people are going to try to kill him after what happened to the last one who attacked him.

There is a bit of a difference between following an unarmed teenager, having a fight, and then shooting him. Compared to being worried about someone ambushing you... wouldn't you say? The difference between being the hunter and the hunted.

The one tweet threat I saw was a guy holding a semi-automatic rifle. Quite a big step up from an unarmed kid. Obviously, I think most of these threats are just angry reactions... but, it only takes one serious person to follow through.

 

[Crimsoncrew]

Mike Vick had people testify against him. People need to step back and take a look at the case and what happened. There 3 people that know what happened that night, Trayvon, Zimmerman and God. Its a tragedy that a young man lost his life, but there wasn't enough evidence to convict Zimmerman without a reasonable doubt that he didn't fear for his life. some people argue that he shouldn't have got out his car, well the same could be said about trayvon attacking Zimmerman and breaking his nose and pounding his head into the concrete. Hindsight is 20/20. so many things could have played out differently that night. Lets also not be naïve to the fact that trayvon wasn't a saint. If you look at his texts tweets and history the kid was a little thug. 1) Smoking weed, 2) drinking "lean" fighting all the time and 3) trying to acquire a gun. People let ignorance cloud their judgement. Step back and objectively look at the evidence there wasn't enough to justifiable send the man to jail for the rest of his life.

Wanted to return to this. By way of comparison, George Zimmerman:

1) Multiple arrests for violent crimes, had a restraining order issued again him, charged with assaulting an officer, agreed to a deal involving treatment for alcohol abuse.

2) Training at a fighting gym.

3) Had acquired a gun.

But let's be sure to view the facts objectively when making character judgments.

 

[rfjeff9]

Yeah, because we know Blacks always get over on the justice system right? I hope that hate in a lot of people's heart goes away. More of the same ignorance.

You think the jury got it wrong? If so, state why here and quit playing shadow games. You seem to be letting emotions rule your opinion. Jury's do not, should not have that crutch. The prosecution did not have enough evidence to prove guilt in the case of 2nd degree murder. In fact, whatever they DID have just seemed to solidify the Defense's case. This should never have gone to trial. For the same reason Zimmerman was not originally arrested. There wasn't enough evidence to arrest and charge.

I smell a noob troll.

 

[salone97]

You think the jury got it wrong? If so, state why here and quit playing shadow games. You seem to be letting emotions rule your opinion. Jury's do not, should not have that crutch. The prosecution did not have enough evidence to prove guilt in the case of 2nd degree murder. In fact, whatever they DID have just seemed to solidify the Defense's case. This should never have gone to trial. For the same reason Zimmerman was not originally arrested. There wasn't enough evidence to arrest and charge.

I smell a noob troll.

Well it looks like you are located in MS so there is no telling what you smell "boy". I'm not playing shadow games and I say what I mean on message boards and in public. If you are happy with the verdict then great for you. You should celebrate.

Yeah, this should never gone to trial and he should never have been charged for firing his gun and killing someone b/c his word should have been good enough - In the words of Mark O'mara "REALLY, REALLY" .

 

[jarrod49]

I never said Zimmerman was a saint, but so many people are trying to paint trayvon as an innocent little kid who was murdered. An innocent little kid would have ran him if he was being followed by in his words "a creepy ass cracker", but now he turned confronted and attacked the guy who was following him. and the text messages and tweets I am talking about have been released. his twiter name is no limit ni#$% and one tweet says fuck the hater ill kill them all if I could, then they released that via text messages he was trying to obtain a gun, then there is his FB where he has posts of him smoking weed and there finally th fact that he had been in numerous fights and bragged about them and bragged about planning to be involved in more fights. all I am saying is that the kid was far from an innocent little angel. Like I said before had Zimmerman not got out his car then we wouldn't be talking about this but the same goes for trayvon had he gone home and not attacked Zimmerman we wouldn't be talking about this.

At the end of the day the prosection failed to prove that Zimmerman commited MURDER.

 

[Ibangedlolojones]

Sounds like he isn't in the clear if the Department of Justice is looking into Federal Civil Rights charges. Which in itself is kind of nuts, cause I don't think they've had to do that since the 1960s.

I'm really surprised that he didn't at least get manslaughter. Although, I think that fucked up shoot first law protected him in the eyes of the jury. Not sure if they had any choice but to let him go with that stupid law in place.

I thought there was going to be a hung jury for certain, I thought 6 women 5 of whom had kids would empathize with losing a 17 year old unnamed child.... But lets not forget Florida is the south and it isn't California so as crazy as it seems that he was acquitted after less than two days deliberating I suppose we should not be surprised.

 

[Ibangedlolojones]

I never said Zimmerman was a saint, but so many people are trying to paint trayvon as an innocent little kid who was murdered. An innocent little kid would have ran him if he was being followed by in his words "a creepy ass cracker", but now he turned confronted and attacked the guy who was following him. and the text messages and tweets I am talking about have been released. his twiter name is no limit ni#$% and one tweet says fuck the hater ill kill them all if I could, then they released that via text messages he was trying to obtain a gun, then there is his FB where he has posts of him smoking weed and there finally th fact that he had been in numerous fights and bragged about them and bragged about planning to be involved in more fights. all I am saying is that the kid was far from an innocent little angel. Like I said before had Zimmerman not got out his car then we wouldn't be talking about this but the same goes for trayvon had he gone home and not attacked Zimmerman we wouldn't be talking about this.

At the end of the day the prosection failed to prove that Zimmerman commited MURDER.

Why are you giving Zimmerman the benefit of the doubt ? There were no witnesses to account for Trayvon attacking Zimmerman and why does Martin have to run home but a civilian with a gun stalking does not have to retreat ? Martin Was not on trial here Zimmerman was.

 

[Ibangedlolojones]

It is his 2nd amendment right to carry a gun. and it is his right to defend his life if he feels that it is in danger. there was no proof that he didn't fear for his life after the kid punched him and broke his nose and jumped on him and proceeded to pound him while he was on the ground.

For point of clarification the nose was not broken and in fact Zimmerman received no medical attention that night or anytime after the incident for his bloody nose or scratches on his head.....

 

[rfjeff9]

Well it looks like you are located in MS so there is no telling what you smell "boy". I'm not playing shadow games and I say what I mean on message boards and in public. If you are happy with the verdict then great for you. You should celebrate.

Yeah, this should never gone to trial and he should never have been charged for firing his gun and killing someone b/c his word should have been good enough - In the words of Mark O'mara "REALLY, REALLY" .

So we agree.

Carrying a gun and using it for self defense in an unfortunate thing to have to occur, but is his right to do so under Florida law.

 

[salone97]

I never said Zimmerman was a saint, but so many people are trying to paint trayvon as an innocent little kid who was murdered. An innocent little kid would have ran him if he was being followed by in his words "a creepy ass cracker", but now he turned confronted and attacked the guy who was following him. and the text messages and tweets I am talking about have been released. his twiter name is no limit ni#$% and one tweet says fuck the hater ill kill them all if I could, then they released that via text messages he was trying to obtain a gun, then there is his FB where he has posts of him smoking weed and there finally th fact that he had been in numerous fights and bragged about them and bragged about planning to be involved in more fights. all I am saying is that the kid was far from an innocent little angel. Like I said before had Zimmerman not got out his car then we wouldn't be talking about this but the same goes for trayvon had he gone home and not attacked Zimmerman we wouldn't be talking about this.

At the end of the day the prosection failed to prove that Zimmerman commited MURDER.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion with the verdict. The prosecution argued that Zimmerman shot an unarmed Teen. Not a person that has not committed any sin. If text messages, smoking weed and fighting have a death penalty as a punishment there are a lot of people in trouble and a lot of people in prison that need to be released immediately for doing the system a favor and taking care of this punishment. I'm sure you don't agree but the things you mentioned I don't think had anything to do with the case. Was Zimmerman briefed of these things before or after he murdered him?

 

[jarrod49]

Why are you giving Zimmerman the benefit of the doubt ? There were no witnesses to account for Trayvon attacking Zimmerman and why does Martin have to run home but a civilian with a gun stalking does not have to retreat ? Martin Was not on trial here Zimmerman was.

Like I said he shouldn't have gotten out his car. the kid broke zimmermans nose and he had cuts on the back of his head and the ME reported no injuries on trayvon except the gunshot so the evidence points to trayvon attacking him. at the end of the day we can battle back and forth forever, neither me or you were there and don't know 100% of what transpired. but we do know that there was reasonable doubt that Zimmerman felt his life was in danger therefore they couldn't convict him.

 

[mcro_rave_2001]

Zimmerman was innocent because the jury didn't let their emotion over rule the facts. The people that are going to riot don't know how to control their emotions and they let their emotions over rule facts.