Quote:
Originally Posted by PR_Tom
I do NOT think he shot him because he was black.
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I agree with this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PR_Tom
He MAY have followed him because he was black.. THAT is not illegal, so should not be a big part of anything but kitchen table talk. A smart jury might think poorly of a prosecution who focusses time on something they already know and accept.
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Actually, it is not illegal, but it will be used to establish a chain of relevance that will lead to proof of dangerous conduct by Zimmerman. The prosecutor ultimately will have to establish that Zimmerman did follow Martin because he was black. It is a key part of establishing Zimmerman's refusal to acknowledge the inherent risk of being armed and following a citizen he incorrectly perceived as a potential burglar.
The prosecutor will use Zimmermans's statements regarding:
- The burglaries
- The knowledge that the burglaries were committed by blacks
- The fact that Zimmerman typecast Martin as suspicious to the dispatcher
- The fact that Martin was black, hence the connection made by Zimmerman that he was a potential burglar
- The fact that Zimmerman said that "these assholes, they always get away". (This was a very damning statement for an armed man to say and the prosecutor will jump all over that)
-The fact that Zimmerman said some other insult (whatever it was) under his breath
-the fact that Zimmerman was advised not to pursue
All of that and a few more details will be used to nullify Zimmerman's claim that he was attacked. As an armed man who was not in any immediate danger, he should have waited for the police.
The prosecutor will assert that the minute he left his vehicle, Zimmerman set into motion the chain of events that resulted in Martin's death and will further assert that his conduct was dangerous in nature as the risk of a potential conflict did not exist until he left his vehicle.
The burden of responsibility for the events that occurred lie squarely in Zimmerman's hands and the prosecutor will have a relatively easy time proving this, even if Zimmerman tres to claim self-defense.