Innocent teen shoot and killed;police do nothing

[Reynolds357]

Zimmerman has arrests for brawling with the police. He's not a choirboy.

Look at the totality of circumstance.

[Reynolds357]

I agree. But that means nothing in a court of law. Besides, Trayvon alledgely followed Zimmerman after he ceased the "pursuit." If one does not have sympathy for one, then they shouldh't have sympathy for the other who reciprocates with the same actiona followed by a physcial attack, don't you think?

That is quite correct. Throughout an incident the levels of and justification for use of force changes throughout the situation.

[Reynolds357]

. Zimmerman should have been arrested and the whole thing sorted out at trial.

Why? The Police asked for arrest warrants and were denied. The prosecutor said the case was not winnable in court.
You do not arrest people when you full well know that you do not have the evidence to convict them.
The prosecutor had scheduled the case to go to the grand jury for review. Why you griping?

[Reynolds357]

Until his testimony is heard, one way or the other, he should be behind bars. He shot and killed a man. No one has ruled on the circumstances yet.

If someone shoots another in self defense, they should be behind bars? They should be behind bars even if the prosecutor determines there is insufficient evidence to file criminal charges against them?

[Fenris]

Look at the totality of circumstance.

I didn't realize there were acceptable times to fight with the police.

[Fenris]

Why? The Police asked for arrest warrants and were denied. The prosecutor said the case was not winnable in court.
You do not arrest people when you full well know that you do not have the evidence to convict them.
The prosecutor had scheduled the case to go to the grand jury for review. Why you griping?

I'm griping because I think that Florida courts are crap. We only have part of a story and someone is dead. You mean to tell me there's no probable cause? Really?

[Fenris]

If someone shoots another in self defense, they should be behind bars?

We don't know that it's self defense. We don't know anything right now.

I thought this was America. You know, where people have the right to walk on a public street without being accosted by self appointed vigilantes. But apparently Florida has their own rules.

[Reynolds357]

I'm griping because I think that Florida courts are crap. We only have part of a story and someone is dead. You mean to tell me there's no probable cause? Really?

According to the people who have the complete case files. No!

[Fenris]

According to the people who have the complete case files. No!

Which only tell half the story. I guess in Florida that's enough.

[Reynolds357]

We don't know that it's self defense. We don't know anything right now.

I thought this was America. You know, where people have the right to walk on a public street without being accosted by self appointed vigilantes. But apparently Florida has their own rules.

You do not know that he was accosted by a vigilante. The "vigilante" says he was following at a very safe distance. He says he discontinued following when instructed. He then says as he was returning to his vehicle, Martin attacked him from behind.

[Reynolds357]

Which only tell half the story. I guess in Florida that's enough.

Fenris, if the people in that district of the State dont like their DA, vote him out.

[Fenris]

Fenris, if the people in that district of the State dont like their DA, vote him out.

Nah, this is how people in Florida like their 'justice' I guess.

[keck553]

Well, what do we know?

Zimmerman is playing cops and robbers, carrying a gun and following someone around who he perceives to be 'suspicious'. What makes the person suspicious? In Zimmerman's vast police experience (i.e. none) the person is wearing a hoodie and acting like he's on drugs (whatever that means). Next thing we know, said person is dead.

I don't like this story at all.

Private citizens should call 911 and be a good witness. That is all. I don't like this vigilante garbage. That could be you or me getting shot.

We don't know it's a vigilante issue. All we know is that the neighborhood has been subjected to numerous burlaries and they hired someone to watch it. In my town, the Police have done away with their property crimes division. The result is a 80% increase in break-in's, home invasions and car theft.

How can we 'leave it to the police' if they don't even investigate the crime?[/quote]

Until his testimony is heard, one way or the other, he should be behind bars. He shot and killed a man. No one has ruled on the circumstances yet.

You can't just throw someone in jail without charging them with something that is prosecutable (unless you want your city to pay millions in lawsuits). If every person who has defended themselve with physical force would be 'thrown in jail' until things were investigated, it would result in a travesty of justice. No one deserves to be tossed in jail for defending their life.

[Fenris]

You do not know that he was accosted by a vigilante.

We do not know anything, aside from the fact that he was following someone and he shot that person.

[Fenris]

We don't know it's a vigilante issue. All we know is that the neighborhood has been subjected to numerous burlaries and they hired someone to watch it. In my town, the Police have done away with their property crimes division. The result is a 80% increase in break-in's, home invasions and car theft.

How can we 'leave it to the police' if they don't even investigate the crime?

How does this justify someone getting shot? Really.