Trayvon Martin Case: Police Wanted Warrant To Arrest George Zimmerman, Prosecutor Says

The special prosecutor in the Trayvon Martin case said that the Sanford Police Department asked the state attorney's office for an arrest warrant to charge George Zimmerman early in the investigation, but the state's attorney's office decided to wait.

The Miami Herald reported that the local police initially went to the Seminole State Attorney with a request to file charges and the police report labeled the case as "homicide/negligent manslaughter."

"The state attorney impaneled a grand jury, but before anything else could be done, the governor stepped in and asked us to pick it up in mid-stream," Angela Corey, the special prosecutor on the case said.

Chris Serino, the lead detective on the case, expressed doubts around Zimmerman's account of the shooting, according to ABC News. Serino filed an affidavit on the night of the shooting in which he said that he was unconvinced of Zimmerman's version of events.

Serino told MSNBC Tuesday night that he was not at liberty to discuss the case, but he feels very encouraged by the new investigation into the shooting, and he was "looking forward to the truth coming out."

Martin, 17, hailed from Miami Gardens, Fla. He was staying with his father in Sanford, an Orlando suburb, when he was shot and killed on Feb. 26 by Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer. Zimmerman was never charged or arrested in the shooting, which has sparked a national uproar.

Another source in the state attorney's office told the Herald that the prosecutor's office routinely receives requests for warrants. "That doesn't mean we file charges right away," the source said. "We investigate to see if it's appropriate."

"If you go with what was reported in the press the first night, there would have been an arrest right away, but obviously something gave investigators pause," the source said to the Herald.

Bill Lee, Sanford's police chief, had previously given a very different account of the investigation. He said that his department had neither the evidence nor legal grounds to arrest Zimmerman, who he said was legally carrying the concealed 9 mm pistol the night of the shooting, and said Zimmerman had the right to defend himself with deadly force.

Lee had come under considerable criticism for the way his department handled the investigation, and stepped down from his post last week following a no-confidence vote from the city commission.

Norm Wolfinger, the state attorney who was initially handling the investigation, removed himself from the case last week "with the intent of toning down the rhetoric and preserving the integrity of this investigation." Gov. Rick Scott replaced him with Corey.

Loading Slideshow

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Benjamin Crump, attorney, for the family of the late Trayvon Martin, talks to the media after the release of 911 call at the Sanford City Hall on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Martin, 17, was shot to death after being confronted by Sanford neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, 28, on February 26, 2012. Zimmerman told Sanford Police that he shot the unarmed black teenager in self-defense. Family members are calling for Zimmerman's arrest. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Benjamin Crump, attorney, for the family of the late Trayvon Martin, talks to the media after the release of 911 call at the Sanford City Hall on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Benjamin Crump, attorney, for the family of the late Trayvon Martin, talks to the media after the release of 911 call at the Sanford City Hall on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  A memorial for the late Trayvon Martin sits at the neighborhood where he was shot on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Martin, 17, was shot to death after being confronted by Sanford neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, 28, on February 26, 2012. Zimmerman, white, told Sanford Police that he shot the unarmed black teenager in self-defense. Family members are calling for Zimmerman's arrest. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Local historian and activist Francis Oliver adjusts a memorial she placed for the late Trayvon Martin at the neighborhood where he was shot on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Valera Pinkard, of Orlando, Fla., holds a sign near a memorial for the late Trayvon Martin at the neighborhood where he was shot on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Sanford, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Sybrina Fulton, mother, of the late Trayvon Martin, addresses the media with Martin's father Tracy Martin, left, on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Sybrina Fulton, mother, of the late Trayvon Martin, left, hugs Selma Mora Lamilla, after addressing the media on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Tracy Martin, father, of the late Trayvon Martin, addresses the media on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Benjamin Crump, attorney for the family of the late Trayvon Martin, addresses the media on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• Trayvon Martin Photos

  Tracy Martin, father, of the late Trayvon Martin, addresses the media on Friday, March 16, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: David Manning for The Huffington Post

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin rally in Union Square during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters marched through the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Supporters of Trayvon Martin block traffic as they march on W. 14th Street during a 'Million Hoodie March' in Manhattan on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Thousands of protesters turned out to demonstrate against the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white neighborhood watch captain. The protesters took to the streets after holding a large rally in Union Square. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Tracy Martin (L), and Sybrina Fulton, parents of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, address supporters at a Million Hoodies March on March 21, 2012 in New York City. Family members joined hundreds of protesters calling for justice in the killing of Trayvon Martin, 17, who was was pursued and shot on February 26 in Sanford, Florida by 'neighborhood watch' member George Zimmerman, reportedly because the teenager's hoodie made him look suspicious. Under Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' law, Zimmerman has not been charged with a crime in the shooting. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

• A Million Hoodies March Protests Death Of Trayvon Martin

  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Sybrina Fulton, mother of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, speaks at the Million Hoodies March on March 21, 2012 in New York City. The family members joined hundreds of protesters calling for justice in the killing of Trayvon Martin, 17, who was was pursued and shot on February 26 in Sanford, Florida by 'neighborhood watch' member George Zimmerman, reportedly because the teenager's hoodie made him look suspicious. Under Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' law, Zimmerman has not been charged with a crime in the shooting. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

• Federal Government To Investigate Shooting Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin

  MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Protesters hold cans of ice tea and Skittles which is what the 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is reported to have been carrying when he was killed by neighborhood watch person, George Zimmerman on February 26 in Sanford, Florida, on March 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. The Justice Department and the FBI opened an investigation into the death of the black teenager, and the local state attorney announced that he had asked a grand jury to investigate. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

• Federal Government To Investigate Shooting Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin

  MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Protesters hold cans of ice tea and Skittles which is what the 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is reported to have been carrying when he was killed by neighborhood watch person, George Zimmerman on February 26 in Sanford, Florida, on March 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. The Justice Department and the FBI opened an investigation into the death of the black teenager, and the local state attorney announced that he had asked a grand jury to investigate. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: A reporter waits to broadcast at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: People attend a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: A protester holds a sign with pictures of George Zimmerman at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Sanford resident Rodney Stokes carries his son Rodney Stokes Jr. on his shoulder at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Protesters demonstrate at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Rev. Al Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Rev. Al Sharpton (R) looks on at a rally with Tracy Martin (R), father of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• Shooting Death Of Unarmed Teen Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage

  SANFORD, FL - MARCH 22: Rev. Al Sharpton departs as media are reflected in a vehicle window at a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee announced today he will temporarily step down following the killing of the black unarmed teenager by a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch captain. Sharpton organized today's rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

From our partners

• Selita Ebanks Gets Back To Werk With New S&M Style Editorial. Peep The Pics! - styleblazer.com
• Ahmad 'Real' Givens Of VH1's 'Real Chance Of Love' In The Fight Of His Life After Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis - madamenoire.com
• 5 (Fun) Things You Should Know About March Madness Right Now - colorlines.com

Comments

[Ronco10354]

10:09 PM on 01/11/2013

G.Zimmerman's father is retired judge huh! Nothing trumps the truth! If G.Z. is innocent, then he should not have anything to worry about. However; he seems to be very worried. Dredging up dirt on the victum isn't nessecary if you have the truth on your side. I have been following this story since it was reported, I only want to see justice served for this young man and his Family. If T.M is found to be guilty of anything other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I will accept that!

[JCF4612]

04:37 PM on 01/02/2013

Where was Norm Wolfinger stationed in Vietnam? Where was Zimbutt's father, Zimbutt Sr. stationed when he was in the military? Are these two old pals? These are questiones worth looking into ...

[stekathy]

01:12 PM on 04/24/2012

Bill Lee, Sanford's police chief isn't the only one that needs to be investigated the States attorney should be investigated also! The Sanford Police Department asked the state attorney's office for an arrest warrant to charge George Zimmerman early in the investigation, but the state's attorney's office decided to wait. It is known that G. Zimmerman's father is a retired Judge and G. Zimmerman had previous run-ins with the law. The Sanford Police initially went to the Seminole State Attorney with a request to file charges and the police report labeled the case as "homicide/negligent manslaughter." G. Zimmerman is to blame or responsible for the incompetent work of the Sanford Police and States Attorney!

[casper 412]

08:30 PM on 04/21/2012

Where were sharpton and the rest of these activist when the two white kids were brutally raped and killed by the five blacks in knoxville? Where is all the outrage about the black woman killing the white girl to steal her baby?

[stekathy]

01:16 PM on 04/24/2012

Where was the out-cry when a young lady was kidnapped by two white men and two white women? She was beaten, battered and rapped everyday until she was discovered by police!
Where was the out-cry when an unarmed man was shot 41 times by white policemen? There are many more cases that I could come up with, but this isn't about those cases!

[Lambpie]

12:39 AM on 06/21/2012

Why do so many of you not get there were arrests in these cases you rant about?

[dkt5331]

12:31 PM on 01/11/2013

You nut! I'm not a Sharpton or Jackson fan but they were not needed because the local police department did not hesitate to do their job.

[Welsey Hess]

11:00 AM on 04/17/2012

the manipulations by the county to prevent Zimmerman from an arrest all speak for
themselves--only when the likes of Al Sharpton forced the issue on-staage--only then
did we see any kind of real action for justice in this tragedy. So much for the land
of the free and the home of the brave---the brave are cowards like Zimmerman,
and the free "aint" colored black---this from a disgusted white Senior ready
to despair that we shall ever have Lincoln's ideal---that all men (and just maybe,women)
are created equal.
I think Edmund Burke was right--the only government that really works is a constitutional
monarchy with real power unlike England's bland symbolism now. After all, the real
monarchy---even with the Hanovers---managed to stop the slave trade and to ensure
voting for Catholics (*dear me!!) long before the U.S. got around to civil rights and
a Catholic president who of course got shot/
James McCormick, mere citizen

[rclrk309]

05:53 PM on 04/11/2012

The state attorney is very wrong about not having a grang jury,Zimmerman murdered a 17 year old child,and should be held accountable for his actions,police video have shown that his lie's about self defense could'nt hold water,so whats the problem with locking this killer up and try him like any other criminal,this can never be justified as a clean shooting,and anyone say it is ,is very stupid and there is no help for them. Just do the right thing,this guy wanted to kill a black person and he did,so just call a jack-a jack. This is not going to get any better,and its not going to fix itself.

[texasblaze]

06:07 PM on 04/16/2012

You need to be educated as to the role of the grand jury when deciding to charge someone. State Attorney's often use the Grand Jury so that they don't have to take any political heat for a trial that either: happens or doesn't, and if the trial happens, that they are not responsible for the unpopularity of it. A State Attorney that charges a defendant without going to the Grand Jury for charges is owning the case, the trial, the outcome. The role of a State Attorney is to PROSECUTE. That is, they aren't there to have milk and cookies, they are there to prove the evidence against the defendant and convict them.


Many states also require that anyone criminally charged must have a Grand Jury review. The charge will then be either True-billed (going to trial!) or No-billed (no charges, no trial). Grand Jury members are usually impaneled for 3 month terms and consist of registered voters that have had to have passed a police background check, in addition to being nominated. The Grand Jury is also trained in criminal law so they can perform the job they are being asked to do by We the People. Grand Juries are supposed to be a broad mix of jurors.

You might want to rethink your statement about not having a Grand Jury. This case is going to trial and it will be decided upon the evidence presented to a jury of Zimmerman's peers/voting citizens.

[casper 412]

08:06 PM on 04/21/2012

Well said!!

[Sweetreddove Brooklyn]

07:02 PM on 04/03/2012

This is so outrageous. This man is still FREE. WHY? allow me to suggest if the system dont know what to do Set the man free to the public i am sure they know what to do. How does one drastically defend himself when he is chaser. Even his own people want justice. So how many people are wrong? Mr. Zimmerman you are making it worst for yourself and for your dad to have been an important judge (as told thru media) HE should know better. WAs this the type of justice he served on the bench? Maybe those convicted trials need to be looked into:SERIOUSLY. PRAYING FOR TRAYVON FAMILY.

[goodnews100]

05:58 PM on 04/11/2012

Don't you understand, HE HAS NOT BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME!!!! Read, comprehend, and speak on facts. I do believe charges will be brought however as of NOW they have not been. Do continue to pray for the Martin's their greif must be unbearable. Cool heads will prevail. He nor his father are above the law, I believe justice will prevail.

[xenubarb]

03:40 PM on 04/01/2012

Well, this makes the story even worse. Decent police officers, trying to do their job, warrantblocked by political interests.

And looks who gets the heat, the police department! Onward and awkward, up the chain of command for justice!

[hhroams]

09:46 AM on 04/01/2012

Now the police chief wants to step down, he and the prosecutor are a couple of people who have not the moral courage to perform their sworn duties. Whether a crime was committed or not committed their obligation was to perform their duties.
They should both be fired. End of subject.

[LeslieAnne Brown]

09:35 AM on 04/01/2012

Why is a neighborhood watch patrol carrying a gun around? Although neighborhood watch volunteers receive guidance from police, they have not been trained like police officers. A police officer would have gave this kid several directives including "hands up" "get on ground" and more; but this wanna-be watch patrol was not trained in police procedures. And why should anyone be stopped for walking? What was so suspicious - that he was black?

[xenubarb]

03:41 PM on 04/01/2012

Because he wasn't an official Neighborhood Watch captain. He's just a vigilante.

I wish the media would emphasize that. They're giving real Neighborhood Watch a bad name.

[keith w oliver]

09:52 PM on 04/01/2012

Wʜʏ ɪs ᴀ ɴᴇɪɢʜʙᴏʀʜᴏᴏᴅ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜ ᴘᴀᴛʀᴏʟ ᴄᴀʀʀʏɪɴɢ ᴀ ɢᴜɴ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ?

------- cause he is a viglante crazy-person.
f/f/0001

[NeverForget History]

09:30 PM on 03/31/2012

This is standard procedure for all police personnel firing their weapons, particularly when they wound or kill another human being suspected to be armed or proved not to be. The forensic team is called to scene. Everyone else has to stay out of the vicinity of shooting until the forensic team is done The area is cordoned off by yellow tape. IAD is called to the scene. The shooter is told to hand over his badge and all carried weapons. The shooter is then taken into custody, told to call his union rep, and not questioned until the union paid lawyer and rep are present.

Why is it so many are so willing to hold those civilians, with a proved past history of racist behavior, severe aggression against females, and documented criminal behavior involving racism against an African-American police office involved in doing his proper job, to a bottom line, of no ethical or moral standards of behavior at all?

[1Truthseeker]

12:32 PM on 04/01/2012

There is a large contingent of the KKK in Sanford and Orange County, Florida. Would be informative to know if Norman Wolfinger the prosecutor, Bill Lee the Police Chief as well as retired Magistrate Zimmerman (father of the killer) are members. Will the FBI dig this deep?

[NeverForget History]

05:20 PM on 04/01/2012

They very well may if they take jurisdiction. Because there are people, including more than a few legal experts, strongly requesting that the feds also thoroughly investigate why the governor called off the investigation. Only time will tell what happens. It's those type of investigations which dig deeply into the personal lives of people, and which those particular people don't want anything exposed, including their personal associations with others.

I was already aware of the large KKK presence in Florida and other states. Just because they aren't parading around in their lily white sheets and dunce hats with masked, it's unwise to be lulled into a false sense of security that they suddenly are no longer racists. They are, and their political and personal behavior proves it out loud for them.

[mother10]

09:09 PM on 03/31/2012

if he had just stayed in his truck !

[PeeWeesHerman]

01:19 PM on 03/31/2012

wait a second, i'm confused....there have been thousands of posts here saying that the Police were lying racists involved in a cover-up.... now we see that they actually wanted to arrest him....amazing what happens if you actually wait for the facts to come out, isn't it?

[NeverForget History]

01:52 PM on 03/31/2012

People are referring to the corrupt police chief and other police personnel not necessarily the entire police department. Though I do agree, many aren't making that necessary distinction clear. I agree that it then becomes misleading wording. Though the highest probablity exists the misleading wording has been unintentional. Does that clear up any misunderstanding or confusion?

[bettikins50]

07:43 PM on 03/31/2012

Well...amazing how you change your attitude when you are replying to a "well known person". I have NEVER said I was on the side of Zimmerman (which by the way is Hispanic). I said just what PeeWeesHerman said. I want to wait until all the facts are out !! I will not make an opinion but I also said my heart went out to the parents of this child, adult, whatever he was. I know they are not using a recent photo of him....but that doesn't matter. He is gone and my heart is heavy for this terrible tragedy. If Zimmerman is guilty...arrest him. I dont' know...I wasn't there....don't think you were either!

[1Truthseeker]

12:38 PM on 04/01/2012

The demand for arrest was overriden by the Police Chief and the prosecutor who drove 50 miles on a Sunday night to insure that the arrest did not go forward. Let's remember that there is a large contingent of the KKK in Orange County and Sanford Florida. Are Norm Wolfinger and Bill Lee and retired Virginia Supreme Court Magistrate Robert Zimmerman all members? It is beyond coincidence that every arrest and charge against George Zimmerman has been reduced or dismissed. The people of Sanford have a right to know and so does the country.

[charleshbuchannan]

01:12 PM on 03/31/2012

No witness has said he saw Martin attacked Zimmerman.

ATTACKED means "to start the fight".

No witness has come out and said that Martin started the fight.

[NeverForget History]

02:00 PM on 03/31/2012

Attacked can mean assault (verbal threat) or battery (physical contact). It's highly important to make that distinction. I'm certain that if mere words could provoke a person to kill with a weapon an unarmed person instigating the assault, that many of us wouldn't be discussing anything any longer long ago. For example, in anger but not meaning it, "I hate you, and I'm going to kill you." In the case of unarmed Trayvon Martin, there is no solid evidence that Trayvon Martin was doing anything but trying to hurry home when he realized he was being stalked by armed George Zimmerman. If not important to anyone else not on a jury or prosecuting a case, it certainly is legal mitigating circumstances highly important for juries to know.

[zoebear]

10:58 AM on 03/31/2012

"That doesn't mean we file charges right away," the source said. "We investigate to see if it's appropriate."

I'd be curious to know the percentage of other HOMICIDE cases that DON'T get charges filed right away because further investigation is "needed" to see if the victim is, what?...still dead?

[JimInHouston]

06:28 PM on 03/31/2012

Probably lots, as charges cannot be filed without evidence.

[NeverForget History]

09:18 PM on 03/31/2012

Suspect admits shooting unarmed person, and still has possession of the gun suspect used in the killing. What part of physical evidence did you miss in that physical reality?

[zoebear]

09:03 AM on 04/01/2012

....and the operative word in that sentence, folks?

Thanks for playing Jim.