Trayvon Martin Case

My opinion had been that this is a manslaughter case at best b/c nobody knows - beyond a reasonable doubt - that Zimmerman initiated the physical confrontation (negating the self-defense claim) or acted with "reckless disregard" (standard for gross negligence & 2nd degree murder) for Martin's safety. known actions constituted an initation of the physical confrontation or constituted the requisite "reckless disregard" - based on my understanding of those to legal principles, I disagree but am not going to argue the isssue at this point.]

Do I think this changes things - yup. The wife gets up on the stand and she is pretty much doomed. Zimmerman almost has to testify to assert his "self-defense" defense. Once he does, he will (and should be) crossed mercilessly on his assertion of self defense. I don't know what status of the spousal immunity laws are in FL. Could the prosecution call her? Probably. Would they? Maybe. I probably would but it would also depend on a lot of other factors that go into case presentation that I haven't really looked at. Bottom line - Zimm's "poor little ol' me" defense has just taken a serious blow.

In a case where his affirmative defense places considerable reliance [EDIT: relies almost exclusively] on his credibility, he just torpedeod it. It still is the State's burden to show gross negligence (for 2nd degree) but Zimmerman will be taking a big risk if he gets on the stand to dispute the evidence presented.

I think this went from a likely not guilty with a possibility of manslaughter to a likelihood of manslaughter with a possibility of 2nd degree murder. Again, just my opinion - I am sure others here see it differently.

Probably the most cogent, objective analysis I've heard anywhere from anyone regarding this case.

Probably the most cogent, objective analysis I've heard anywhere from anyone regarding this case.

Thank you.

Texas Man Found Guilty for Killing Neighbor in Dispute - Yahoo! (http://gma.yahoo.com/texas-man-found-guilty-killing-neighbor-dispute-053934284--abc-news-topstories.html)

very interesting. in both cases neither of these people show the competency to own a firearm

Hopefully Zim's fate is similar.



It was apparent this guy went over to kill his neighbor and he wanted to video tape it to "prove" it. Yet, he was saying how "scared and threatened" he was, yet it was HIM that went onto his property and remained their instead of retreating back to his property to wait for the police. He tried to get away with cold blooded murder, and it was his idea that got him convicted. I was hoping they execute this dumbass. The world would be a better place. I'll donate $5 towards the costs.

I like the part of the tape where he says: "'It's about to get out of hand sir, please help me. Please help me, my life is in danger now ...,' Rodriguez told police over the phone. 'Now, I'm standing my ground here. Now, these people are going to try and kill me.'"

You're life is in danger? Then don't f***'ing "stand your ground" in your neighbor's yard waving a gun.

YOU ... Out of the gene pool!

Probably the most cogent, objective analysis I've heard anywhere from anyone regarding this case.


Couldnt agree more

I like the part of the tape where he says: "'It's about to get out of hand sir, please help me. Please help me, my life is in danger now ...,' Rodriguez told police over the phone. 'Now, I'm standing my ground here. Now, these people are going to try and kill me.'"

You're life is in danger? Then don't f***'ing "stand your ground" in your neighbor's yard waving a gun.

YOU ... Out of the gene pool!

"The defense did not present much of a case as it called no witnesses and Rodriguez didn't testify. Legal experts say if defendants are going to successfully argue self-defense, the jury wants to hear from them."

This coward was so ashamed he wouldnt even take the stand to defends such a bs story. people like this shouldnt have the right to own a gun

"The defense did not present much of a case as it called no witnesses and Rodriguez didn't testify. Legal experts say if defendants are going to successfully argue self-defense, the jury wants to hear from them."

This coward was so ashamed he wouldnt even take the stand to defends such a bs story. people like this shouldnt have the right to own a gun
http://southparkstudios.mtvnimages.com/images/shows/southpark/vertical_video/import/season_01/sp_0103_12_v6.jpg
Agreed. Can't believe anybody would try using the "It's coming right for us!" defense in real life. Big difference between that and being beaten up, IMO.

George Zimmerman’s jailhouse telephone recordings released | The Lookout - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/george-zimmerman-jailhouse-telephone-recordings-released-150859241.html)

Zimmerman's report to the police the next day.

Watch George Zimmerman re-enact Martin shooting - Video on msnbc.com (http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nbc-news/47903601#47903601)

It's one side, obviously, and it seems like a lot of it should be verifiable (or disproved) by the physical evidence at the scene. He makes a lot of references to things that others should be able to either affirm or deny.

To me, parts of it sound reasonable. Parts of it not so much.

George Zimmerman failed to identify himself twice during a confrontation with Trayvon Martin and missed opportunities to defuse the situation that led to the death of the teen, a detective says in a newly released report.

"Investigative findings show that (Zimmerman) had at least two opportunities to speak with (Martin) in order to defuse the circumstances surrounding their encounter," Serino wrote in the report. "On at least two occasions (Zimmerman) failed to identify himself as a concerned resident or a neighborhood watch volunteer."

The detective also said Zimmerman's actions "are inconsistent with those of a person who has stated he was in fear of another subject."

Investigator: Zimmerman missed opportunities to defuse situation - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/27/justice/florida-teen-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t2)

And this is exactly why Zim deserves to be in jail hopefully for the remainder of his life.