It's Watch!... Neighborhood Watch. Not shoot.

I've made up my mind?

Trayvon Martin is dead. George Zimmerman shot him. He has yet to be charged with a crime or tried.

Those are facts. I didn't have to make up my mind about anything.

 

My impression had been that Zimmerman was a "neighborhood watch captain" in his mind only. I even thought it was irresponsible for news organizations to use that term when describing him.

Some had used the term, "self-styled neighborhood watch captain." I thought that was better.

But, the Times article points out that it was at least a legit program set up by the community, with the assistance of the local police:

Zimmerman was, of course armed, and went beyond just being the "eyes and ears". And, I'm sure a program like this is catnip for a police want-to-be like Zimmerman. I'd also bet he volunteered to lead it before anyone else gave it a moment's consideration.

 

We don't empanel a jury for every death.

There are decisions to make before an arrest is made, or a trial is held.

Maybe you haven't decided he's guilty of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, but you appear to be advocating for an arrest. What makes you so sure even that is warranted? One person being dead -- tragic though that is -- isn't enough.

 

For an arrest?

Standing over a body with a smoking gun is usually plenty.

 

The only reason that is still a possibility is because of the attention the case has received. The attention some people are complaining it shouldn't have received.

 

Was Zimmerman ever "standing over" Martin with a "smoking gun"? That's part of what's in question.

 

No, it isn't.

 

"Standing over." That's precisely in question.

 

One thing that is still not clear to me. There seems to be a number of witnesses that saw Zimmerman and Martin on ground but no one seems to have seen the gun shot.

Did they walk away? Turn their head or just not saying?

 

Well, at least you acknowledge it is possible he can be arrested, charged, tried, etc. I couldn't care less why that is the case.

You painted the picture of an assailant who had "gotten away" with a crime and implied he was untouchable. It's another example of the hyperbole and/or bias that has infected the discussion (not only here).

I've enjoyed watching two prominent national TV anchors inject their opinion into this case, at times they had no business doing so. And both times their comments were in support of only one side. No balance. No fairness. Only bias. Makes me want to pull my hair out when folks in our profession do that.

I've never said how much coverage this case deserves and I've said from Day 1 if they can gather enough evidence to arrest, charge, etc., go for it. That Florida law is a hindrance, however.

Haven't read all the coverage but I'll be curious to find out why the riding DA initially chose not to charge Zimmerman.

 

When the police arrived, Martin was dead of a gunshot wound and Zimmerman was upright with the gun that killed him holstered to his body.

This is not hard.

 

That's not what determines self-defense. You know this. It isn't hard.

When you say, "standing over a body with a smoking gun," you paint a picture of an execution. Of one person shooting the other while standing over him.

And that is fully in question.

Did Zimmerman eventually stand up? I suppose so. Was his gun still "smoking" at this point? I'm not sure.

I don't have all the facts in this case, but neither do you. An arrest might make you "feel" better, but it won't necessarily serve justice.

Zimmerman's rights, and his liberty, are also protected by our laws.