Posted on 05/08/2012 7:39:01 AM PDT by Aunt Polgara
George Zimmerman's Arraignment Hearing to be live streamed today at 1:30 pm ET
A bond hearing in a capital murder case is never routine. It is almost always used as a valuable discovery device and an opportunity to lock in the Stat's witnesses to a story.
I thought they had the arraignment already but I guess that was something else. I know they set bail but I also thought that was done at arraignment.
Well, seeming as there isn't any...
Any theories on how the prosecution can drop the case while saving face?
thanks for starting this. I had forgotten all about it.
That was the first hearing, on April 12th, before Magistrate Judge Hess. He found probable cause, obviously without studying the information and supporting affidavit; and without objection from O'Mara.
The prosecution will commit some technical error in the paperwork, and scream and cry when the case is thrown out on a "technicality".
It's probably not their face but their keister they would be trying to save, especially from being blown off by rampaging racist insurrectionists if the charges against Zimmerman were dropped (or thrown out) for lack of evidence.
IIRC GZ medical information was not included either.
That was the first hearing, on April 12th, before Magistrate Judge Hess. He found probable cause, obviously without studying the information and supporting affidavit; and without objection from O'Mara.
Oh, I think it is important to add that what Judge Hess was reviewing was radically different from what the Sanford PD reviewed. Hess saw a one-sided presentation, totally void of all hint of self defense. This is normal under FL paperwork/charging practice. IOW, it is up to defendant to assert the Chapter 776 immunity statute, when the prosecutor decides the use of force was not justified.
I point that out so that you don't get a sense that SPD and Judge Hess are at odds. We don't know that, because the two entities were looking at radically different pieces of evidence.
SPD found an absence of probable cause, because they DID look at the justified use of force in self defense. Judge Hess did not have ANY of that self defense evidence in front of him.
I'd like to read Zimmerman's interrogations, maybe the walk through too. DeeDee's statement to Corey's team of crack investigators should be compared with her previous statement, the recorded affidavit as presented by Crump. Photos of Zimmerman's injuries. Signs of additional eyewitnesses. The original statements of eyewitnesses and the date/times they were taken.
-- Any theories on how the prosecution can drop the case while saving face? --
It's impossible. What they are hoping for is passions to cool before the case is tossed.
And I hope that doesn't end it for Corey. She needs to be held to account for mounting an unethical prosecution. Other than DeeDee, Corey lacks a critical element of murder; and without Sybrina, Corey has no evidence that Zimmerman's use of self defense was not justified.
I figure you are being sarcastic. But, for others, the state can't lose on a paperwork technicality. It's impossible unless they do so deliberately. The rules give the state every opportunity to correct errors, even overcharging (which is one reason why Corey did not go to a grand jury - if she had, she would give up the ability to reduce the charges stated on the face of the "indictment").
As this is a political prosecution in the first place, Corey is pushing the inevitable decision off to the judge. She can fight like hell, and claim it was all in good faith.
Even if Zimmerman gets a long, long sentence, there will riots.
For background, consider your typical NBA victory celebration. Search for “nba riot” on YouTube.
Without Sybrina?
You meant DeeDee, right?
True. But I don't think that'll be as interesting as the photos of his injuries. We know the doctor treated him for a broken nose (and we know that Corey did not speak to Zimmerman, and did not seek any evidence relating to his injuries beyond what might be in the SPD investigation file), but in this day of non-readers and reliance on a "visual message," the photos of Zimmerman's bashed face will do more to turn this case right side up than any other piece of evidence.
I also didn't mention the forensics relating to powder residue on both Martin's and Zimmerman's clothing, and powder burns on Martin's clothing.
According to Alan Dershitwiz and that bunch, the case is so ill prepared and technically flawed that it should be thrown out at the earliest opportunity.
All that will happen then is the Feds will intervene.
Corey uses Sybrina to establish that Martin was screaming for help, therefore Zimmerman was not acting in self defense. Obviously, this also goes to the charge of depraved mind murder.
DeeDee's testimony is part of the murder charge as well, as she is the only witness who creates Zimmerman "stalking" and persistently working to close distance with Martin, while Martin is scared. But DeeDee's testimony stops short of the fight, so she can't participate in the self defense argument.
I’d think the forensic (gun powder)and autopsy would settle the case. OTOH reports can be manipulated. Pictures ARE worth thousands of words.
I’ll be keeping an eye on this thread....
While at the gun range.
(heh-heh!)
Even accepting your scenario of what the race agitators want...
I predict that if at trial the prosecution’s “case” falls apart and the defense puts on an impenetrable case, that will have a salutory effect.
In that society as a whole will have no sympathy for rioters who riot over an inescapable verdict simply because of Trayvon’s skin color vs Zimmerman.
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