George Zimmerman arrested for 2nd degree murder

George Zimmerman arrested and on his way to the Seminole County Jail.  To the relief of many he has been charged with second degree murder.  The case has attracted national attention.

On February 26th,2012, George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain volunteer, called 911 as he has done many times before to report suspicious activity.  He was told by the police dispatcher that he did not need to follow the subject and a patrol car was being sent out.  Unfortunately for Trayvon Martin, who was returning to his father’s girlfriends house after going out for a snack, Zimmerman allegedly did follow him and after some type of confrontation, Trayvon Martin was fatally shot by George Zimmerman.

From there it get murky.  Zimmerman claims it was self defense and also claims that Trayvon Martin attacked him and that he suffered a broken nose.  Initial police reports indicated that he had a gash on the back of his head.

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High profile black leaders such as the Reverends Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson immediately organized and began to paint a picture of racism.  Martin’s family released photos of  Trayvon in football attire which prompted President Obama to remark that Trayvon could have been his son.  The photos were later found out to be older photos of Trayvon.  More recent photos show a much more mature Trayvon than what his family initially portrayed to the media fueling speculation as to why they would circulate the older photos.  Other outlets have reported that Trevon is 6’2″ a stark contrast to the earlier photos circulated.  The Daily Caller reported sexist Twitter tweets made by the handle no_limit_nigga that they claim is Trayvon’s account and also claim that the account was closed shortly after his death presumably by his family.  Another Twitter handle, T33ZY_TAUGHT_M3, attributed to Trayvon shows him gesturing with his middle finger.

His mother, Sybrina Fulton, took steps to trademark the phrases , “I am Trayvon” and “Justice for Trayvon” which drew intense criticism from the public.  RadarOnline reported that Fulton did not intend to capitalize on the trademarks, but rather hoped to keep anyone else from profiting from her slain son’s name. Upon hearing of Zimmerman’s arrest, Fulton has stated that she is sure “up and down beyond a shadow of a doubt that justice will be served”.

Further controversy includes Spike Lee tweeting George Zimmerman’s address although it turned out to be an incorrect address as well as the New Black Panthers offering a $10,000 bounty for George Zimmerman’s capture.

Zimmerman and his camp have been relatively quiet.  Reports have circulated that he has called 911 numerous times to report violations or suspected violations.  He was carrying a concealed weapon for which he has a permit for although it is unclear why he had it with him while on duty patrolling the gated community. He is said to be using the “stand your ground” law which means that a person may use force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of a threat, without an obligation to retreat first.

He has said through intermediaries that he has been harassed, has no job and has had to move.  Perhaps sensing an imminent arrest, he recently created the website, TheRealGeorgeZimmerman where he is actively seeking donations for his defense. Zimmerman was arrested in 2005 for “resisting an officer with violence

If convicted of 2nd degree murder, George Zimmerman can face up to life in prison.

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