Based on the physical evidence and statements, the police concluded initially that it was a case of self-defense. Zimmerman claims he was the one who was attacked. He was returning home from an errand when he noticed this guy acting strangely. He reported it to the police and waited for them to arrive.
We do know that Zimmerman had a bloody nose and and blood on the back of the head and that his back was covered in grass stains. We don't know what injuries other than one bullet wound were suffered by Martin. The fact that there was a physical scuffle indicates to me at least that Zimmerman did not shoot Martin immediately, but only after he was engaged in a fight with him. And Martin's father has confirmed that it was not his son who was calling for help during the struggle, it was Zimmerman.
You seem to doubt Zimmerman's story. Why? Shouldn't he be presumed innocent until proven guilty? We now have Al Sharpton and his minnions making this into a cause celebre for political reasons. It is being used by the Dems and Obama to rally and energize their base in the runup to the election. It has been done before.
Zimmerman is now getting a thorough vetting by the press, but very little is being said about Martin and whether he has had some prior run ins with the law or school authorities. Zimmerman has already been convicted by the MSM and the Left similar to what happened to William Jewel.
The physical evidence you put so much stock into is what exactly? The witness statements explain what exactly? NO ONE saw the initiation of the confrontation. The physical evidence that Zimmerman had a bloody nose does NOT preclude the possibility that Zimmerman initiated the confrontation with the 17 year old. It amazes me that the FACT the 17 year old was not doing anything wrong; had NOT been involved in the burglaries; that Zimmerman had been essentially stalking the 17 year old due to an unfounded suspicion isn’t being taken into consideration. Why is it not appropriate to even consider that Zimmerman used poor judgement? Are you suggesting that you would not, if being followed by someone, take steps to get that person to end their actions against you? Sorry, but I’m not willing to take Zimmerman’s word simply because the person he shot is unable to tell his side of the story. And, neither should anyone else.
“very little is being said about Martin and whether he has had some prior run ins with the law or school authorities.”
*******************************************
Trayvon Martin had no arrest record or disciplinary action for violence as a student in North Miami’s Krop High School.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/neighborhood-watch-shooting-trayvon-martin-probe-reveals-questionable/story?id=15907136&page=2
___________________________________________________________
I can understand why Zimmerman was suspicious of Trayvon. The kid is visiting, so he isn’t a familiar resident to Zimmerman. It is 7:11 pm when Zimmerman first calls police about Trayvon (sunset that day was at 6:22, so it was headed on dark-o-clock) It also had been raining off and on from about 3pm that afternoon.
It was raining and almost dark when an unknown person is walking around this gated community. Zimmerman notices him and starts following, Trayvon notices Zimmerman and pulls his hoodie up. That, too, would create more suspicion for Zimmerman, not less.
Trayvon is meandering and talking to his girlfriend on the phone (call started at 7:12), which Zimmerman apparently mistook as Trayvon scoping out homes and maybe being ‘drugged up’.
What is confusing is we know Trayvon went to the 7-11 and had an Arizonia Iced Tea, Skittles and a phone. He also pulls his hoodie up (needs hands for that). At one point Zimmerman says Trayvon has his hands in his waistband. OK, maybe the phone is in his pocket and we know he has a headset. Where’s the tea and Skittles, in his hoodie through-pocket? Then what was whatever he had in his hand that Zimmerman mentions? All that doesn’t make sense to me. Or at least I can’t quite work it out in my mind.
BUT, I do believe it is Trayvon that initiates the confrontation. Trayvon asks “What are you following me for?” Then Zimmerman asks “ What are you doing here?” —no reply, a fight ensues but the girlfriend can’t see who starts it....
“Trayvon said, ‘What, are you following me for?’ and the man said, ‘What are you doing here?’ Next thing I hear is somebody pushing, and somebody pushed Trayvon because the head set just fell. I called him again and he didn’t answer the phone.”
Then the line went dead, she said.