Part 1–Commentary on Trayvon Martins Case
The latest developments in the Trayvon Martin Case–George Zimmerman’s Interview on FOX News & the Bombshell News of Molestation Allegations
Part 1 of 2
The Trayvon Martin story sent shock waves around the world back in March of this year. Its been a leading story on news outlets all over the world. Most recently his bond was revoked and later raised to one million dollars with a number of stipulations, including, electronic monitoring, a 6 a.m.-6 p.m. curfew, restrictions on travel, and that he must reside in Seminole County, Florida while this case is pending. In addition to his bond being raised, a bombshell was dropped a few days ago when “witness #9” accused him of molesting her as a child and that this abuse went on for many years.
Even with the high profile nature of this case and the division that it has caused amongst individuals of different races, opponents and proponents of the Stand Your Ground Law and the second amendment right to bear arms, most people supporters and non supporters of George Zimmerman were in disbelief when he appeared live on TV in an exclusive interview with Sean Hannity of the Fox News Network. Zimmerman discussed many aspects of the case which left laymen and lawyers alike shaking their heads in disbelief that he was giving these recorded statements on TV, in such a serious case where he is facing life in prison. Some are saying that with the new allegations he had to say something, give some type of statements but others are in disbelief and believe that no matter if he’s guilty or innocent he should have invoked his 5th Amendment right and should have remained silent until at least trial, and maybe not even at that time.
According to numerous sources, this interview was against the wishes of his Attorneys. Besides some contradictory statements he gave one single statement that was seen all over social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook yesterday, that the killing of Trayvon Martin was all apart of God’s plan. The lawyers here at the law firm of Berman & Tsombanakis, LLC in South Florida, are asking the question was it a good idea from an attorney stand point, to put George Zimmerman on the stand. Also, how will the new allegations from “Witness #9” alleging that Zimmerman molested her as a child from the tender age of eight years old, until sometime in her late teens, effect the outcome of this case.
There have been a number of twist and turns in this case as of late. Zimmerman, the volunteer neighborhood watchman was not on patrol the night of February 26, 2012, when he shot Trayvon. According to police reports and Zimmerman’s very own statements, he was on his way home when he spotted what appeared to him, to be, a suspicious looking person. Trayvon Martin was walking home from a nearby convenience store. He was wearing a hoodie sweatshirt, which has now become symbolic across the world as a show of support for the slain teen. Trayvon was visiting his Father and his Father’s fiance that weekend. He left their home at halftime of the NBA All Star game to grab a few snacks.
According to the statements of his girlfriend, after Trayvon left the store, he was walking back home minding his own business. They were talking on the phone as they had been for most of the day when Trayvon noticed that someone was following him in their car. Zimmerman called 911 and reported to them that there was a suspicious look black man walking around in the complex. He made further profiling type statements and was told by the 911 operator to stop following Trayvon and that the police were on there way. Zimmerman disobeyed the 911 Operator’s direct orders.
Last week, Zimmerman discussed his encounter with Trayvon. He stated that after getting out of his car, he followed the 17 year old high school senior, he approached him and then the teen asked him “what my problem was”. Zimmerman further alleges that when he went in his pocket to call 911 for the second time, that Trayvon hit him. This statement and others that he gave during the interview, contradict previously reported witnesses statements and police reports. Trayvon Martin’s girlfriend gave a statement that Trayvon told her that a man was following him. She also stated that she told him to run and that he began to walk really fast, but Trayvon told her he was not going to run. He later ran out of fear for his safety and according to statements by his girlfriend, the strange man, Zimmerman, caught up with him. He then approached him and cornered him.
This is where this polarizing case remains a mystery and Trayvon Martin is no longer here to tell his side of the story. Zimmerman claims that he used deadly force to defend himself against Trayvon and that he feared for his life after being punched and beat up by Trayvon. There has been evidence supporting and refuting these claims. There have been pictures that have showed barely any injuries and then there have been pictures where there appeared to be blood on the top of Zimmerman’s head. Zimmerman was treated at the scene but not taken to the hospital. He later went to the doctor and sources have reported that this was only to get a medical excuse from the doctor so that he may return to work.
There have been witnesses who have come forward stating that they heard screams and cries for help, as well as gun fire. There have been experts who have stated they heard screams and that the screams were not from George Zimmerman. Despite his statements and his families statements that they were from him. Trayvon Martin’s family previously stated that the voice heard screaming for help was Trayvon’s. Additionally, voice experts have also said the voice more closely matches Trayvon’s, further supporting the family’s claims. There was even a witness that stated they saw Zimmerman hovering over Trayvon’s helpless body right before and after the killing.
Zimmerman has contended all along that he was Standing His Ground. A law that is supported by most of Florida’s residents. The question at hand is whether Zimmerman has a legitimate claim that he was Standing his Ground. During this interview, Zimmerman stated that he wanted to apologize to Trayvon Martin’s family for fatally shooting their son and he also apologized to the City of Sanford, his family and many others for what occurred. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Zimmerman’s Attorney Mark O’Mara advised his client not to give any statements and not to go on television but he did so against his wishes. As stated above, both attorneys and laypersons worldwide, are questioning Zimmerman’s decision to give an interview on Live television. An interview that he gave against the advise of counsel, which is now evidence that may later be used against him in court. His Attorney Mr. O’Mara stated that he went on television to raise money for his legal defense.
In addition to this interview, the recent molestation allegations may have an effect upon the outcome of this case.Witness #9 gave a recorded statement that Zimmerman began molesting her at the tender age of 6 years old. She stated that this went on for 10 years until she was 16 years old. Some experts are saying that it is not relevant, while others are saying that it goes to his character. There is also a statute of limitations issue, being that these allegations last happen a little over a decade ago, it may be to late to bring charges against Zimmerman. In addition to the molestation allegations, “”witness #9” is alleging that Zimmerman and his immediate family are racist “:http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2012/07/witness_claims_george_zimmerma.php. She further alleges that his mother previously stated that he does not like President Obama because he’s black.
How will all of this play out in court is what the lawyers here at Berman and Tsombanakis, LLC are asking? We are also interested like many others are in whether this case will settle without a trial. Will the judge enforce a gag order after this most recent interview, which was given to raise money for his defense and not for the sole purpose of expressing his remorse and innoncence? In part two, Raquel Floyd, our Blog Contributor will give her opinion on this case as well as some additional commentary.