If you think Zimmerman shouldn’t go “scot-free” then he needs to have broken the law and in doing so someone died as a result.
Exactly where did he break the law?
It isn’t a crime to follow someone. It isn’t even a crime to ask the person being following what they are doing there. This was all on private property.
I am not a lawyer, so I don't know what laws could be applied here. Laws aren't firm cut-and-dry rules; there are always interpretations and applications, necessitating much discussion over whether a particular act is or is not legal.
I do not know anything about this case other than what has been publicized and opined. I *do* know that the 911 operator told Zimmerman to stay away, which he did not do (and which would have been prudent).
I'm afraid that if Zimmerman is not punished (even by a slap on the wrist), we'll see a deluge of similar incidents, all pointing at the Zimmerman case for their defense.
I do not know whether it is criminal to follow someone. But, having been in the position of being followed without knowing why, I can attest that it is *very* scary. If Zimmerman was, in fact, following Martin, then it would have been very reasonable for Martin to suspect that Zimmerman had criminal intent. Martin may have attacked out of fear for his safety.
“I *do* know that the 911 operator told Zimmerman to stay away, which he did not do (and which would have been prudent).”
Sorry, but you do not know that.
The operator told Zimmerman “we don’t need you to do that” after asking if Zimmerman was following Martin. Zimmerman agreed not to follow him. But... The operator also asked where Martin went so that the police who were in route could follow up on the call. Zimmerman said he didn’t know where Martin was and stepped into an open area between houses so he could see down the row of houses in an attempt to tell the operator where Martin went. That’s where Zimmerman says he was attacked.
If Martin was “afraid” he simply would have gone back to the home where he staying nearby and had plenty of time to do so. In addition that home was in the opposite direction of where Zimmerman was. Instead he came back and confronted Zimmerman, apparently by a punch to the face knocking Zimmerman to the ground and then beating him while on the ground.
Facts do matter.
How do you know that?
The police operator suggested he didn't need to follow Martin. Zimmerman replied "OK" and apparently limited his "pursuit" to an attempt to see where Martin was heading, so that he could direct the responding officer. It was dark. He told the dispatcher he lost Martin. And when the dispatcher asked for Zimmerman's address, he broke off giving his full address, saying he wasn't sure where Martin was (i.e., for all Zimmerman knew, close enough to overhear him uttering his address!).
Zimmerman's story is that Martin appeared out of the shadows and accosted him as he was returning to his truck and attacked him. Unless the prosecution can disprove that, Zimmerman can't be convicted of anything.
I'm afraid that if Zimmerman is not punished (even by a slap on the wrist), we'll see a deluge of similar incidents, all pointing at the Zimmerman case for their defense.
Tough skittles! That's no rationale for justice.