"We dont want people in an airport, neighborhood, etc... to be afraid of contacting police, should they see or encounter someone that seems out of place, meaning a person that has not been seen before.." Ezoner @2:12pm

Yes, we need to report out of place things like strangers at airports that we have not seen before. Or someone in a city that we have not seen before, very strange.

Who cares, big stupid deal. This happens all the time. A bunch of rabel rousers has gotten everyones undies in a bundle so they can continue making money off racism. Only thing that makes this different than hundreds of other murders.

Sarah -- I agree -- but I dont know how you would convict Zimmerman without making a claim that the man (Treyvon) was a well behaved individual, and we all know thats not the case. Were his intentions bad in this case, -- who knows? But I have heard people claim that Zimmerman was the instigator just because he was following Treyvon -- that should NEVER be the case. We dont want people in an airport, neighborhood, etc... to be afraid of contacting police, should they see or encounter someone that seems out of place, meaning a person that has not been seen before, nor someone acting strange.

So I would certainly expect Treyvons past to come up -- which would make any charge or prosecution difficult. Given claims that Zimmerman has helped young men improve themselves regardless of race, (assuming thats true) also makes charging and conviction difficult. Sometimes, situations just go bad, not for the actions of both parties, meaning that initially all good intentions may lead to an altercation and a bad result. My guess -- this will never be sorted out to anyones satisfaction. Too much time has gone by, too much doubt, too many questions.

werpknarly - a 911 operator told him not to follow, not the police. He didn't fail to follow any police orders.

Fact One - police told him to STOP they were on their way. No one was in immediate danger. Yet some died. Who failed to follow police orders ?

Some strange person follows my daughter at nite , then walks up behind her she better turn and fight before she gets raped, some could read this law that trevon, being stalked by a stranger at nite should have turned and shot first. That's the modern civilized american We want to live in ?

Bunbun, you apparently don't understand what the "stand your ground" law is. Old self-defense laws meant you had to have real physical contact first before you can use lethal force to defend yourself. You don't have to be under attack with stand your ground, just the sense of feeling threatened. Like Trayvon was when he told his girlfriend on the phone that some guy is following him.

"a few days earlier in Chicago ten youths were murdered"

I assume authorities are in the hunt for the perpetrators. Let's hope that if and when they are caught, they are not released and given their guns back like Zimmerman was.

As to Martins atty. Using stand your ground..if Martin had killed Z after Z attacked him, then yes. But then, we still do not know what happened...who attacked who first and exactly why are all relevant items.

And for wally..shouldnt you be yelling at kids to 'keep off your lawn' or something constructive? I already concede the fact that someone could produce a contract signed in the blood of virgins from the head of ABC and Al Sharpton stating that this unfortunate event will be played up to its fullest financial potential and you would say..."Yeah? But it wasnt notarized".

Showing concern for Trayvon Martin does not mean that the lives of other young people that are the victims of gun violence have no value. When a name and face are linked to the injustice, it's only natural to be more drawn to the cause. All the efforts to guilt trip the people that are voicing their concern for the Trayvon Martin case are nothing more than attempts at diversion.

What seems funny to me is that many people that go on and on about how we don't know all the facts and should wait before condemning Zimmerman without the whole story are the same people that are convinced of some conspiracy by the media or others meant to spin this injustice for some political purpose. Where are all the facts to back that crackpot story up?

Is the "Stand Your Ground" defense meant only for the survivor?

Sounds like bad choices on both sides - and neither seem to be little angels, just like you and me - but allow the investigation to progress and let the media circus die out.

It's ironic that every day in this country people kill other people - whites, blacks, Mexicans...you name it, and no less tragically - but no one seems to raise an eyebrow anymore in those cases.

BUT...if two half-Caucasians (ah, we forget that side of it, eh?) get into a fray and one gets killed, suddenly it turns into a racially-spun, out-of-control grand movement for the all the national grandstanders and professional victims (along tee-shirt companies).

If it would have been the other way around and Mr. Zimmerman would have been killed (say, like the two Brits that were needless killed IN COLD BLOOD by a recently-convicted black male in FL), would those of Mexican descent spin it the same way? I seriously doubt it!

But thankfully it isn't a popularity contest...or a lynching, as it seems many (including the irresponsible Tweet coward Spike Lee) would have it play out. It's a legal investigation, at many levels of government - so deal with it as such...and worry about solutions to the violence in your own communities as much as you chose to stick those egotistical PR noses into the business of others.

Sarah -- they may not be facts -- but are certainly factors in how the DA would decide to proceed. This really needs to play out locally before people get all worked up. Let the system work and not attempt to use the event for political or ideology purposes. I would say the same regardless of the persons skin color or ethnicity. Make it two white guys -- one with tatoos and a beard, The same would be true.

Sarah -- it has everything to do with the circumstances. If the man (Treyvon) puts himself into positions where his character is in question, the likelihood of comments from Zimmerman are more believable. The same is true for Zimmerman. Which is what makes this a difficult decision for the DA. He needs all the info to determine if he can get any type of a conviction and if so to what level. You can believe that those character references will come out in a trial and they do carry weight with a jury.

Kaysbrew is my defense for my last comment and for Trayton Martin standing his ground. I rest my case.

SarahB, your last paragraph in your 1:11 comment is about the best unembellished summary I've read yet. My guess is that authorities will try to phony this up as an accidential shooting to save everyone's face. That Zimmerman and Trayton fought over the gun, then it went off. Remember where you read that first.

SarahB1
We don't know any of that. George Zimmerman's father claims the boy had attacked him and was beating his head on the cement. George was carrying a gun and as both went for it George got to it first. Do I know that to be fact? NO - Was Treyvon innocently walking home - don't know that either. A 13 year witness claims Treyvon went for the gun and George was bleeding.
Why is the left interested after a month of sitting in some news room shelf? What if George was Jorge and using his Mother's name and not his fathers? The liberal press calling him a white hispanic. Do they call Obama a white black man, or a black white man.....NO.... again in a seperate article on pigeon hole liberals. This is what I'm talking about. Know that he's a registered Democrat and Martin Luther King's daughter is speaking out against condemning George. The liberal press' attempt to insight is again is failing.

Bunbun, can Martin's attorney use the "stand your ground" laws in his defense? To find Zimmerman innocent is find Martin guilty.

Also. Forget about the stand your ground laws. Zimmermans lawyer says they did not apply as well as the local DA. Zs defense will more than likely be based on the older self defense laws.

Ignore the hysterical rantings about shooting anyone who looks at you funny under stand your ground. These are, once again, the same delusions that predicted rivers of blood in the streets of WI under CC. The same stupid claims are made against castle doctrine laws. Somehow folks think these laws will be used as an excuse to plug a bunch of Jehovas witnesses at the door and simply claim fear for ones immortal soul.

Why Think -- you are part of the problem -- your inflamatory statements need to be removed. I hope that the Gazette is smart enough to remove this comment page. Convictions in the court of public opinion should not be supported. Why Think wants to make this purely a racial issue. Treyvon was in someone elses neighborhood, there are claims that he was not a model person, the claims alone that Zimmerman obeyed the 911 dispatcher request are enough at this time to not charge Zimmerman until more real facts are presented and the people using this as a racial or political tool are the issue here. Lets let people do their job.

The commentary here is terribly disapointing. Whatever pet theory fits your world view means nothing. Someone is trying to stir this up for some percieved advantage. The truth so far is that none of us were there despite claims to "know" that evil white Charles Bronson wannabe shot some pure soul who was only going out for some Skittles so he could fuel up for more good deeds....or that gangsta thug jumped innocent hispanic neighborhood watch captain on his rounds.

As far as news reports go, I'd rather know why ABC news is releasing the NAME of the eye witness...who happens to be 13 years old.....

First, before I "go off" I want to stress that I don't condone any talk of violence or "pay-back". I understand and do condone the anger and frustration but not some of the actions being taken. Let's also remember that many are angry and frustrated and do not agree with the calls for violence.
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@@@ MCS
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These rallies/demonstrations for Trayvon Martin are the most racist anti-white events I've seen since the Rodney King riots in LA and most likely will end up the same way.
No one seems to want to look at the facts, only that a black teenager was shot and killed by a white/hispanic man.
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“””Fact 1-Zimmerman was acting as a neighborhood watchman..possible self appointed. “””
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He was “self-appointed” and not following the rules of the neighborhood watch.
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Fact-2 Zimmerman was watching Martin. He may have been profiling ,but normally profiling is nothing more than following someone suspicious. This is an activity that law enforcement officers use on a regular basis and has been found constitutional several times. There could be an argument that Zimmerman wasn't a law enforcement officer and shouldn't have been trying to act in this capacity. Keep in mind that at no time did Zimmerman initiate contact.
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Zimmerman did initiate contact. Once Trayvon said to his girlfriend, “I am being followed” Zimmerman initiated the contact.
Fact-3 Zimmerman reported seeing Martim to the local police and it was suggested that he stop following Martin.
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Yes, and if he had followed that suggestion FACT: Trayvon would be alive.
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Fact-4 We know that sometime shortly thereafter Zimmerman lost sight of Martim and started walking back to his vehicle.
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THAT IS A CLAIM NOT A FACT!
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Fact-5 Martin attacked Zimmerman which resulted in lacerations to Zimmermans head and a broken nose.
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THAT IS A CLAIM, NOT A FACT! Very disputable considering the new video released.
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Fact-6 Zimmerman reported that while being beaten he shot and killed Martin supposedly because he feared for his life.An act that is legally supported by a Florida stand your ground law.
I will acknowledge that there are several victims in this incident but there is no evidentary facts that support chargeing Zimmerman with any crime.
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HOW CAN YOU CLAIM FACT AND USE “REPORTED” IN YOUR “FACT”?
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It is unfortunate that the anti-white contingent of America finds it necessary to futher their agenda using this incident.
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Your comments and “facts” are the most biased towards race I have seen. You even claim something “reported” is a “fact”. I find it unfortunate that the police have put Mr. Zimmerman in this situation. He would be much safer IN JAIL.

PanamaRed, while I agree with the first sentence in your 11:33 a.m. comment, I have to take exception with the second sentence. When I hear, "The fact an individual can make the decision to shoot and kill an unarmed 17 year old and NOT be held accountable has EVERYTHING to do with politics," it suggests to me a belief that there is a difference of opinion between political ideologies about it being acceptable for someone to shoot and kill an unarmed 17 year old kid and not be held accountable. Respectfully, I can't subscribe to that belief. There are differences of opinion on this issue, as there are with most every issue, but I think those differences can, and should, be attributed to something other than politics.

Great review of the facts as you know them to be mcs. Where is the evidence Mr. Zimmerman feared for his life? Given the facts you present, Its actually MORE reasonable to believe Trayvon Martin feared for HIS life and made an attempt to defend himself. Whether intentional or not, the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws protect the aggressor, not the victim.

I would suppose it's unfortunate that politicians make our laws. But it's true. If we have laws that prevent prosecution due to vague language like that of the "stand your ground" law where people can use lethal force in public areas if they have a reasonable belief of a threat, then yes in my view, this is very political. Under that law, Trayvon Martin then had a justifiable reason to kill Zimmerman with his bare hands and that too would be absolutely wrong. IF law enforcement, the DA or Zimmerman's attorney invoke the "stand your ground" law in his defense or for the reason not to prosecute - this will become a huge game-changing political issue.

MCS -- thank you for the review. Personally -- I dont stand on either side of charging Zimmerman - until the police and DA have done their homework. I would not want to charge Zimmerman and at a later date find they unable to prosecute for lack of evidence. We have all seen cases where the DA jumped to judgement and later discovered information that proved innocence and we have also seen instances where the evidence seemed overwhelming that someone committed a crime (think OJ) yet was denied a conviction.

My issue with this is the political twist and the enagagement by outside forces using both parties and especially the death of Treyvon as a pawn for political or ideology gain.

The fact an individual can make the decision to shoot and kill an unarmed 17 year old has NOTHING to do with politics. The fact an individual can make the decision to shoot and kill an unarmed 17 year old and NOT be held accountable has EVERYTHING to do with politics.

These rallies/demonstrations for Trayvon Martin are the most racist anti-white events I've seen since the Rodney King riots in LA and most likely will end up the same way.
No one seems to want to look at the facts, only that a black teenager was shot and killed by a white/hispanic man. Fact 1-Zimmerman was acting as a neighborhood watchman..possible self appointed. Fact-2 Zimmerman was watching Martin. He may have been profiling ,but normally profiling is nothing more than following someone suspicious. This is an activity that law enforcement officers use on a regular basis and has been found constitutional several times. There could be an argument that Zimmerman wasn't a law enforcement officer and shouldn't have been trying to act in this capacity. Keep in mind that at no time did Zimmerman initiate contact. Fact-3 Zimmerman reported seeing Martim to the local police and it was suggested that he stop following Martin.Fact-4 We know that sometime shortly thereafter Zimmerman lost sight of Martim and started walking back to his vehicle.Fact-5 Martin attacked Zimmerman which resulted in lacerations to Zimmermans head and a broken nose. Fact-6 Zimmerman reported that while being beaten he shot and killed Martin supposedly because he feared for his life.An act that is legally supported by a Florida stand your ground law.
I will acknowledge that there are several victims in this incident but there is no evidentary facts that support chargeing Zimmerman with any crime. It is unfortunate that the anti-white contingent of America finds it necessary to futher their agenda using this incident.

I agree with some of the comments. #1, you have to wait for all the evidence, and that takes time. #2, a child was shot, why is everything a political statement? Did the shooter act in self-defense? He says yes, we don't know. Was the victim completely innocent? We don't know. From the new footage of him in the police station, he certainly doesn't bear the signs of someone who was just fighting for his life, no visible injuries, no trauma whatsoever. There is more to the story, and it may be possible that we'll never know for sure, as sad as that is.

Seriously, what has become of this country when the murder of one of her children becomes a discussion of political affiliation? Anyone furthering that discourse should be ashamed of themselves and we should all be sickened by the low point that politics in this country has reached.

The crass partisan politicization of Trayvor Martin's murder is one of the most abhorrent things I've witnessed in my life.

PanamaRed, that is exactly the issue. The Tea Party/NRA/ALEC law (the "Stand Your Law" was not sponsored by unions or progressives) allows for a person to stand their ground and use deadly force if they feel threatened in any way. But make sure you have a gun ...or you'll wind up like Trayvon Martin. It's the perfect fear-mongering law for gun worshippers. Join us or die.

"As with all people in this nation, all are innocent until proven guilty."- retiredairforce@ 1:08am

This didn't seem to apply to the 17 year old kid who was profiled, stalked, and shot dead because he was walking down the street. The one man judge, jury and executioner took care of all of that.

'Those in authority will indeed make the decision based on facts not mob rule or media demands'

We hope and trust that they do. Have you seen the surveillance video from the police station?? Doesn't look to me like Mr. Zimmerman required much first aid.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/george-zi...

How funny reading how 1 liberal democrat complains about another democrat shooting someone and tries to blame it on republicans

Oh, Now I get it! Thanks to Republicans I have the ability to go pick a fight with someone, then pull out my gun and shoot them in self defense. That means I can kill a completely unarmed individual legally! Who are they going to believe, me or the person I just shot? Sure makes me proud to be a member of the NRA!

what noone wants to comment about the leader of the Black Panthers putting a bounty on Zimmermans head? who is the racist and biased ones here. No charges yet?

That is my point. You seem to argue that the DA and police decisions are infallible. So you finally want justice too, and understand that Trayvon is innocent at this point. Will you be joining us at the candlelight vigil for Trayvon Martin at the courthouse?

Neither you nor I have all the facts, that was point. Those in authority will indeed make the decision based on facts not mob rule or media demands.

As with all people in this nation, all are innocent until proven guilty.

RAF, only you know the facts?? Zimmerman killed an unarmed person after he stalked him on public property. Apparently, you would rather have all of this misinformation and doubt instead of arresting him and having a thorough investigation and closure? People want the facts and are asking for justice ...and you oppose that?

"Maybe the part of the story that is being leaked to the media that you should be upset about is the suspension from school for marijuana ( First time in history that has happened)"
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Wow. Not only does this have nothing to do with the facts of the case it is also not the first time a persons previous history, either juv or school, has been made public. You keep making my previous point...over and over.

youkillme based on published accounts of the activites the stand your ground law has nothing to do with the situation. In fact the local DA said had this law not been in effect his decision to charge, or not (so far), would not have changed.

fear you have made my point. The 911 dispatcher 1st never stated what you wrote and 2nd has no authority to to keep a person from walking anywhere.

The transcript shows the dispatcher said, "OK, we don't need you to do that.".

Maybe the part of the story that is being leaked to the media that you should be upset about is the suspension from school for marijuana ( First time in history that has happened) as some kind of pretense of anything that happened on the night of the shooting? Unreal!!
Forget all the hype. This was a night watchmen wanting to play police with his gun, and stereotyping a young black man to do so.
I will say that if we are to use a persons past maybe we should look at zimmermans arrest sheet?

Really RAF? Huh. The 911 recordings of him being told to not pursue? I am sure that is the "media" blowing it out of proportion?
On the night of the shooting, the Sanford police department’s lead homicide investigator in the case had recommended that Zimmerman be charged with manslaughter, but he was overruled by a state’s attorney, who said there was not enough evidence in light of the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law.
Does stand your ground mean pursue an capture with a loaded handgun??

RAF, are you claiming that the "Stand Your Ground" law is not a Tea Party NRA/ALEC creation?

""Funny thing is, George Zimmerman is a registered Democrat. How does that fit with your tea party bashing.""

""REGISTERED DEM KILLED TRAYVON
MEET REGISTERED DEMOCRAT AND SELF-IDENTIFIED HISPANIC AMERICAN, GEORGE ZIMMERMAN""

This is how stupid partisan politics is. Some people just cant leave it out. This Guy Zimmerman is a free criminal. I could care less what party he belongs to.
For the people clammoring about what happened and did not. Look at the real evidence, not what a late showing "eyewitness" coming forward a month later had to say. Read the 911 transcripts, listen to the phone calls. He was told NOT to pursue, he CHOSE TO!! Zimmerman picked a fight goy his butt kicked and shot a kid who was approached by Zimmerman for no reason. Other than his own "suspicions", nothing more. He had done nothing, FACT. He was unarmed, FACT. He was provoked by a stereotyping neighborhood watchmen , looking for a reason to start something so he could use his gun that he should not (by rule) been carrying on watch.
Look at the facts of the situation, not the hysteria. Reverse discrimination? That might be the most laughable premise I have ever seen!

LOL....the same person that stated this "Take your backward partisanship home" also stated this "Crazy tea party gun laws".

This case is one of the latest examples of sheeple to the media. There are details on both sides of the issue that police and local DA look at to determine possible and probable quilt before arresting and/or charging. If it was a clear cut case there would be no need for a grand jury. Reading the echoed remarks from the hyped media on social media clearly shows how uneducated people are on issues before making decisions.

People throughout the country are yelling, "Arrest him! Arrest him!" without knowledge of all the facts pertaining to the case. This is so true with the civil rights leaders and activists. Guess who's prejudice now? Could it be reverse discrimination?! But they sure are doing a great job in pressuring the State Attorney General to make a false arrest with all these demonstrations.

Guyking, but you shouldn't be stalking a person either. Too bad Trayvon wasn't wearing a "don't tread on me" t-shirt. Check out this latest showing Zimmerman soon after he killed Martin - walking briskly with no sign of scuffed clothing, head injuries, blood or a broken nose.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012...

Armed or unarmed, if someone is beating the crap out of me, breaking my nose and smashing my head on the ground, then I don't believe I could just lie there and pray that I would go to heaven.

Very true, Panama. Zimmerman profiled the kid, stalked the kid, finally got a reaction out of the kid and then shot him dead. A one man court, jury, and executioner, this self appointed "watchman". Whatever happened to 'someone is walking down the street, mind your own damn business and leave him alone, he has every right to do what he is doing without harrassment'.

Gee, I can't imagine why ANYONE would be fearful of vocalizing support for a man who SOUGHT OUT then shot and killed an unarmed 17 year old boy simply because he was walking through the neighborhood. Zimmerman had a loaded gun and the 17 year old had a bag of skittles yet it was Zimmerman that feared for his life. Yea, sure. Lets ask the 17 year old what happened.

LOL jcommon.......good one

jcommon, Who's bashing Zimmerman? Whether the shooter is a democrat or republican, any law that allows a person to shoot and kill an unarmed person with impunity is crazy. Take your backward partisanship home.

Funny thing is, George Zimmerman is a registered Democrat. How does that fit with your tea party bashing.

Crazy tea party gun laws. Even the thuggish Liberty Valance wouldn't shoot an unarmed person. But here we are in 2012 with laws that say you can shoot to kill an unarmed person if you feel threatened.

Now the leader of the New Black Panther party has put a million dollar bounty on Zimmerman's head. How come Obama hasn't come out and addressed this like he did the shooting? How come these members of the Black Panthers are still walking the streets?
I'd be in hiding too.