Florida legalizes murder: Trayvon Martin

**Devil** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 1:31pm

Originally Posted by JohnnyCache

The entire gated community is private, though, so it has to change notions of who came onto whose property a bit... it makes the guy look more racist to me, as it supports him jumping to the conclusion "Young black guy = obvious interloper"

You can be racist without being a murderer. He might have been a racist, but if it's a small gated community it can also support the reasoning that he'd be more aware of anyone who he doesn't normally see in the area. I live in a small dead end neighborhood. I immediately notice any car or person who isn't there on a regular basis.

**Bneterasedmynam** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 1:36pm

Originally Posted by Diesel_tke

By definition Florida can not legalize murder.

But they can

**Bneterasedmynam** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 1:39pm

Originally Posted by Diesel_tke

By definition Florida can not legalize murder.

But they can find reasons to not enforce it when it suits them. And the results would be the same.

That first post got fucked up by a phone glitch.

***JohnnyCache*** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 1:43pm

Originally Posted by Devil

You can be racist without being a murderer. He might have been a racist, but if it's a small gated community it can also support the reasoning that he'd be more aware of anyone who he doesn't normally see in the area. I live in a small dead end neighborhood. I immediately notice any car or person who isn't there on a regular basis.

Do you shoot them

**Devil** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 1:51pm

Originally Posted by JohnnyCache

Do you shoot them

Is that what I said?

Unless I receive additional information, at the moment it looks to me like the guy chased the kid down which makes him the aggressor. If that's the case, the guy is in a heap of trouble.

But all that **** going through his mind speaks to motive, which can determine the crime he's ultimately convicted of. If the jury can be convinced the guy would notice anyone out of place in his neighborhood and didn't just target him based on race, it will be a good thing for him. There's a hell of a difference between first degree murder and manslaughter.

**submessenger** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 2:00pm

Originally Posted by Devil

Is that what I said?

Unless I receive additional information, at the moment it looks to me like the guy chased the kid down which makes him the aggressor. If that's the case, the guy is in a heap of trouble.

But all that **** going through his mind speaks to motive, which can determine the crime he's ultimately convicted of. If the jury can be convinced the guy would notice anyone out of place in his neighborhood and didn't just target him based on race, it will be a good thing for him. There's a hell of a difference between first degree murder and manslaughter.

Looks like Zimmerman was following the kid because he was cutting through a backyard, and so he was unable to continue while staying in the vehicle; this definitely puts the ball in the "he was chasing the kid down," court. The previous two weeks had seen a number of robberies in the neighborhood, which will probably factor into the charges when filed - it will definitely be part of his defense. My bet is charged with second degree and he pleads out at manslaughter with a reduced or no sentence. The fact that his nose and back of his head were injured supports the self defense aspect, but he's got a bit of a vigilante complex, it seems.

**Devil** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 2:04pm

Originally Posted by daddykata

The previous two weeks had seen a number of robberies in the neighborhood, which will probably factor into the charges when filed - it will definitely be part of his defense. My bet is charged with second degree and he pleads out at manslaughter with a reduced or no sentence. The fact that his nose and back of his head were injured supports the self defense aspect, but he's got a bit of a vigilante complex, it seems.

Ah....Details, details. Hell yeah it will factor in. It will allow him to come off as more of a concerned citizen and less of an insane wannabe cop.

**submessenger** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 2:08pm

Originally Posted by Devil

Ah....Details, details. Hell yeah it will factor in. It will allow him to come off as more of a concerned citizen and less of an insane wannabe cop.

True... although, the media has already reported neighbors complaining about his "aggresive tactics." It will be interesting to learn if he was self-appointed to neighborhood watch captain, or (s)elected by his neighbors...

**W. Rabbit** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 2:10pm

Originally Posted by Devil

It will allow him to come off as more of a concerned citizen and less of an insane wannabe cop.

"Concerned citizens" don't chase and shoot suspects with a 9mm. That action is reserved for the insane wannabe cops and the real cops.

Lethal force for self defense in most places is justified only when you feel your life is in danger. Since the slain was armed only with Skittles, Mr. 9mm is going to be charged, imho.

**Devil** · Posted On: 3/13/2012 2:17pm

Originally Posted by W. Rabbit

"Concerned citizens" don't chase and shoot suspects with a 9mm. That action is reserved for the insane wannabe cops and the real cops.

Lethal force for self defense in most places is justified only when you feel your life is in danger. Since the slain was armed only with Skittles, Mr. 9mm is going to be charged, imho.

I think he's going to be charged too, but it won't be because the slain was unarmed. If someone is on top of you pounding you into unconsciousness, that's sufficient to feel your life is in danger and it justifies the use of deadly force. This guy's problem is the chasing and causing a confrontation that wouldn't have occurred in the first place without his actions.

You can argue if he's crazy or not all day long but his state of mind will have a huge influence on the severity of his punishment and a string of burglaries is enough to make a citizen concerned.