Trayvon Martin Case: Justice Department To Investigate Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Florida Teen

The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have opened an investigation into the "facts and circumstances" surrounding the killing of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed teenager shot and killed last month by a neighborhood watch captain in an Orlando suburb.

The department will "conduct a thorough and independent review of all evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation," according to a statement late Monday.

The announcement comes as the drumbeat around the case continues to grow, becoming national news and shining a brighter media spotlight on the city of Sanford, where the killing occurred, and its police department, which handled the initial investigation that so far has failed to bring charges.

Martin, 17, was shot to death on Feb. 26 by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain who told police he fired in self-defense. Zimmerman confronted the teen after calling 911 and reporting Martin as a "suspicious person." Though a dispatcher told Zimmerman not to follow the teen, Zimmerman confronted him nevertheless, police said. Martin died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police questioned Zimmerman and released him without charges. Zimmerman was licensed to carry a gun and police said they found no evidence to contradict his self-defense claim.

Attorneys for Martin's family have said the family has no faith in the the Sanford police investigation and have called for an independent investigation.

The Justice Department statement said it also would provide assistance to Florida officials. The Seminole County State Attorney's Office recently took over the case from local police. The state attorney will soon decide whether to bring charges against Zimmerman.

With all federal civil rights crimes, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person acted intentionally and with the specific intent to do something the law forbids -- the highest level of intent in criminal law, the Justice Department statement said.

Earlier on Monday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott sent a letter to Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey, calling on the agency to "fully investigate" Martin's death.

"The circumstances surrounding the death of Trayvon Martin have caused significant concerns within the Sanford community and the state,'' Scott wrote to Bailey. "I understand an investigation was initiated by the Sanford Police Department and referred to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office. I believe it is appropriate that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provide any assistance necessary to fully investigate this matter."

Emanuel Cleaver, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in a statement Monday afternoon that he was "outraged by the way in which this case has been handled by the Sanford Police Department in Florida."

"Those who are meant to protect us and our children have blatantly turned their backs on fairness and justice," Cleaver (D-Mo.) said. "We urge the Department of Justice to immediately and thoroughly investigate the shooting death of Trayvon Martin as a hate crime. This case compromises the integrity of our legal system and sets a horrific precedent of vigilante justice."

The White House also commented on the Martin case during a press briefing. "The White House is aware of the incident," press secretary Jay Carney said. He added: "We're not going to wade into a local law enforcement matter."

Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) called for Justice Department intervention, saying she doesn't "have the same kind of confidence in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the governor's office or the State Attorney's Office."

She added: "I'm not law enforcement, but I absolutely think [Zimmerman] should have been arrested."

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Comments

[Diego Deleon]

10:47 AM on 03/27/2012

I wish the feds would get involved in the deaths of all the children that are killed on a daily basis in our cities, victims of gang violence like drive-by shootings, drug wars etc. I hope justice is made in the case of Trayvon Martin, but what about the rest? Where are the voices of justice for those that have been senselessly silenced by violence?

[jedisabre]

09:46 PM on 03/25/2012

There is no way George Zimmerman needed the deadly force of a gun to protect his life from an unarmed teenager for any reason. Lethal force of self defense is only needed when absolutely essential for life protection. If George felt physically threatened by Trayvon, he had no self defense skills but pulling a trigger? He could not walk away wait for police while he felt physically threatened by an unarmed teenage boy?

[Clyde George]

06:40 PM on 03/24/2012

I think it would help a lot of people trying to figure out what happened here to be able to see a layout or map of the area. I would like to see were Zimmerman's vehicle was parked in relation to where the actual confrontation, fight, and shooting took place. Zimmerman was told not to pursue Martin, and we know the fight/shooting took place BEHIND some apartments in what would be called a common area. It doesn't make sense that Martin would confront Zimmerman, but based on Zimmerman's 911 call, it does make sense that he did in fact follow, and attempt to detain Martin.

This is the crucial issue in this event, because Zimmerman was never a member of the Police force. He didn't have the authority to detain anybody. When you add the fact that he would be an unknown adult, trying to detain a child, then you can see why a major, adrenaline fueled battle between to two took place. This kid was fighting for his life. He began to get the better of his attacker, and the attacker shot him, claiming he did so in self-defence. That claim doesn't pass the smell test.

[ceekreewd]

02:46 PM on 03/28/2012

Well, apparently, the Detective at the scene feels the same way and wanted to arrest him , but the story goes that the Florida Gov. said no...

[marcis]

12:01 PM on 03/24/2012

a corrupt justice dept.,led by a corrupt eric holder will investigate? where was the invetigation when a highway patrolamn was shot in the face four times by a criminal who should never been out of jail to begin with. Our govt. is as racist as anyone in this country. How about investigating our corrupt govt. leaders and those who are not doing what they are paid to do by us the american people.

[QtheHero]

09:11 AM on 03/23/2012

Two words......gun Laws

[Ginny Fischer]

06:22 PM on 03/23/2012

YES! Time for us to turn back the gun madness that has descended on this country over the past 20 years.

[Diego Deleon]

10:51 AM on 03/27/2012

Guns don't kill, people do. It's about time we stop blaming other people or things for our own actions, it's not about GUN LAWS, it's about what people do with guns. Just as guns are used to kill innocent people, they are also used to protect the innocent, so instead of taking the safety and security away from people, take the criminals aways.

[Kharran Beacham]

03:32 AM on 03/23/2012

Rapper Speaks Out Against Trayvon Martin Murder Demands Law Reform in Florida : http://youtu.be/8uRtYmCO7xI

[weskirk1]

04:23 PM on 03/22/2012

Being in the UK i know little of this story, but
if the UK is anything is to go by, nothing will
happen too the shooter.
Here it is the armed division of the police,
most are exonerated.
wes

[ShaeDenise]

03:42 PM on 03/22/2012

This is a sad story. Zimmerman chased him down (after the police told him not to), wrestled him, and then shot him while he was calling for help. How is that self defense, If you chase someone down and then shoot them. Then you have law signed by Gov.Bush that allows him to get away with the crime. And many others have gotten away with this type of crime as well. Our justice system is screwed , I am scared for Americans. Other countries wont me able to cause our destruction. We will. I want kids, but i dont want to bring them into a world as cruel as this.

[franklma]

10:32 AM on 03/22/2012

All of this is being orchestrated by those powers that be to create a climate of racial tension and riots to issue in martial law. Out of chaos comes order.

[Kvothe]

12:07 PM on 03/22/2012

You're a nut. An unarmed person was gunned down in their own neighborhood.

[kilakhan]

07:56 AM on 03/22/2012

about time some other PD or law enforcement body besides Sanford PD took a look into this matter! Sanford PD has clearly shown itself to be as ineffectual as ineffectual can get! it is scary to think that other instances of cold blooded murder (like this) could have taken place and no one is talking about it because it did not get the media attention and outrage this case has generated.
please people dont turn this into a race debate. the simple facts are that an unarmed kid was shot dead and his killer is walking free. justice needs to be done and done soon!

[allowjustice]

03:36 AM on 03/22/2012

Response to mlock2354 on 03/2012 at 10:20am:

Sir...I definitely respect your comment and agree. However, as an African-American woman, I would like to respond accordingly.

We acknowledge and respect that there were many whites that participated in the Civil Rights movement & lost their lives as a result because they stood with us in the name of equality. We feel there are also whites in today's society that are truly outraged at the unjust behavior that continues to be brought against African-Americans. This issue is yet again one that profiles based on race: a black male wearing jeans, sneakers and a hoodie, is deemed as being suspicious and is ultimately killed.

I can not speak as a black male because I believe that they face more than we do as females; but I can speak as a black female - the profiling does not stop. Regardless of how well we are dressed or how articulate we are, we still become objects of ridicule and disrespect.

Unfortunately, this is a matter of race - he was profiled. His parents had to bury their child, as so many African-American parents, both present and in decades' past, due to unfair assumptions or blatant prejudice. Again, we shouldn't allow this to harden our hearts because it was due to open hearts that civil rights laws were passed and hopefully yet again, open hearts coming together will help bring this issue and ALL those who have wronged this young man, to justice.

[Gizmo9]

04:07 PM on 03/22/2012

Talking about profiling. My both sons were attacked by black teens on their way to school and robbed at knifepoint on two separate occasions. One son was robbed of his winter jacket on the street in the middle of freezing winter. The other son was surrounded by 7 thugs and robbed of his phone, I -pod and money while they were holding knife to his throat. One of the thugs is now sitting in jail. Guess how I feel.

[Ginny Fischer]

06:26 PM on 03/23/2012

Gizmo9, it works both ways, but nonetheless, has happened a lot more to blacks than to whites. I realize that means absolutely nothing when it is your children that have been attacked. Just thank God your two are okay.

[allowjustice]

05:15 AM on 03/25/2012

While this is very unfortunate that this happened to your sons, it could have been done by anyone; black or otherwise because black people ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WHO ROB AND STEAL. Don't misunderstand, I am not dismissing the incident occurring at all. If you're going to comment, let it be in TRUE relation to what is being stated and that is the issue of profiling. However, I understand that you needed attention for the moment...okay, you have it so I hope that does it for you. Now your moment is over.

[Watersisland]

03:09 AM on 03/22/2012

Sadly, since the legislation enacting the "Stand Your Ground" law, supported and signed into legislation by former Gov. Jeb Bush as a means of securing more voter support from the right wing.............Florida has become just as has been presented (but was actually untrue) about the old wild west. Even more sad is the fact that the only preventitive measure that Trayvon Martin could have legally taken......would have been to ALSO carry a firearm......and SHOOT this Zimmerman creep.....before Zimmerman shot him!!! This would ALSO have been perfectly LEGAL!
Republicans and Bushs......."Taking the country BACK"( to a time before civilization).

[sport coat willy]

10:03 PM on 03/21/2012

is any one out there from Mars? well if you are we are goi ng to have affirmative action for you , and you will be giving special teratment where ever you go, we wilhave universities especially for you. You have your own exclusive law enforcement societies, your own exclusive student unions. and when you are elected to a postion of power you will be immune to any criticsm,
every other person on the planet wil be afraid to offend you,,,,,,,,,,, and will all bow to you to show you that you are superior to all of us..........you;ll get free housing, free foodm free health care and noi one will question why your special group of people com mit the highest percentage of viloent crimes,,,,,,,,,,, you are excused from being accountable for your actions,,,,,,,,,,,, all you have to do is claim that you are discriminated against because of your ethnic background and you escape any responsibility........... never try to fit in with the rest of us, but always remind your kids they are owed, and that no one will ever treat them fairly ,,,,,, that they dont have to become one of us, never be just a person, you are a color first,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and a citizen secondly. that;s how you will distinguish your selves , and so you willnever be a part of the whole community,,,,,,,,, yet second class citizens , that which your fore fathers fought so hard against

[sport coat willy]

09:28 PM on 03/21/2012

Tom Hayden wants to perpetuate the concept that only blacks are mistreated by law en forcement,and that only blacks have hate crimne committed upon them, so teach the youth this and teach them that your no1 challenge is your race, dont worry about being an american first, you are a color first............... thats the point Ive been making along time,its now beinbg made ina "run away slave" im not Italian first although I remain proud of heritage, I am an American first. I dont need any affirmative action or any loud mouth race hustlers like big Al........... you;ll never se him defend the injustice of any degos wiil you ? yet we defgos will defend any other american ............ any ! see the logic in beinbg a color first ?

[learntmylesson]

09:19 PM on 03/21/2012

How do you justify shooting anyone in the chest in self defence? Was Trayvon committing any crime? If you are walking down the street talking on the phone, how does that imply "looking suspicious?" Unfortunately, the police were lax in dealing with the murder. Their actions suggest that they do not care. This is one of many reasons why people are losing faith with the police whose duty is to protect and serve. I sincerely hope that Zimmerman has a date with the hangman.

[TOMLAM]

10:10 AM on 03/22/2012

Agreed 100%.