[Rooivalk]

Definitely excessive force, why didn't Martin back off and retreat?

Once Zimmerman left his truck and decided to pursue, he became the aggressor. And Zimmerman has admitted he was in pursuit. Any other questions?

That gun Zimmerman was carrying gave him in his mind the power to do things he might not have done in a regular setting.

[trappedincanuckistan]

Once Zimmerman left his truck and decided to pursue, he became the aggressor. And Zimmerman has admitted he was in pursuit. Any other questions?

Once Zimmerman lost sight of Martin there was no pursuit. Any questions?

[101stAirborneVet]

LARRY SMITH JR - FELONY AGGRAVATED BATTERY ON CHILD

Reduced to Misdemeanor charges, sentenced to anger management classes and probation. (Dad must have been "powerful" retired Virginia magistrate).

TARA SMITH - FELONY BURGLARY WITH ASSAULT/BATTERY

Reduced to Misdemeanor charges, probation before judgment. (Dad must have been "powerful" retired Virginia magistrate).

BENJAMIN JONES III - FELONY AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON AND BATTERY

Reduced to Misdemeanor charges, probation. (Dad must have been "powerful" retired Virginia magistrate).

ASEIAL JONES - FELONY ROBBERY WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

Charges dropped (gasp!). (Dad must have been "EXTREMELY powerful" retired Virginia magistrate).

[cynwoody]

That gun Zimmerman was carrying gave him in his mind the power to do things he might not have done in a regular setting.

Prove it. Prove Zimmerman initiated the fisticuffs.

You can spin all the theories you want. But if you can't prove Zimmerman attacked, there is no crime.

In fact, given what we now know about Martin, Zimmerman's story is totally plausible. Martin was justifiably pissed at having attracted attention for walking while black in a hoodie on a dark and rainy evening with his hands in his pockets. So far, so good. But, alas, Martin caused his own death when he unwisely and unjustifiably lost it and attacked Zimmerman.

There's a good reconstruction of what probably happened here.