Trayvon Martin Case: Twitter Reactions To George Zimmerman's Second-Degree Murder Charges

Last night, special prosecutor Angela Corey announced that George Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder. After 44 days of waiting for this news, we turned to our twitter community to gauge the reaction. Emotions were running high and many were skeptical of how this will all play out but there was a general sense of optimism.

Here's a wrap up of the two part Q & A we did with our twitter community.

First, we asked:

@blackvoices
BlackVoices

What do you think of the charge? Now that Zimmerman is in custody and charged, do you feel justice has been served?

April 11, 2012 10:36 pm via HootSuite Reply Retweet Favorite

Here's what you said:

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One of the biggest concerns that many of you, over these last 44 days, have constantly talked to us about is the racially charged coverage around Trayvon. In response to this, we asked:

@blackvoices
BlackVoices

Do you think Zimmerman being in custody and charged will tone down some of the racially charged discourse about Trayvon and this case?

April 11, 2012 11:14 pm via HootSuite Reply Retweet Favorite

Here's how you responded:

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As the case continues and more things come to light in this road to justice for Trayvon, we'll keep touching base with you hear your thoughts and concerns. To join the discussion, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Comments

[Maurice Caradine]

12:11 PM on 04/17/2012

This case has not been tried yet only three people were eyewitness to what happen that night Zimmerman,.Martin, and God so if he took Martins life without just cause according to the world he will be dealt with by a higher power even if the court justice fails.I feel that no one have the right to take another persons life regardless. what ever happen to an old fashion beat down?I think alot of people would still be alive if it was not for guns that are in the hands of too many rcareless people who will jump at the first opportunity to use them.

[fabuloush2s]

03:15 PM on 04/14/2012

There is an article in the Miami Herald today about Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin. I encourage for people to read this story. I had earlier doubts about how the media is zealoulsly pursuing the family for their stories. I also do understand how tired they must be and will never say they should stop pressing their calling. I weighed their enormous grief but nothing can be surreal until you loose your Son..or child. Having to sit through the redundant questions and reenactments, tears my heart out, therefore I know what it must do to them.

I will continue my profound and dedicated support for both purposes... I will write and review their daily activities without blinking an eye, my wake up and goodnight is to find out how they are doing and praying for their purpose. Activists are fearless, hard working and defined by character. They have made me proud and wanton to follow their struggle for Justice. Peace ~ to the camp of Justice, Ms. Fulton and Mr. Tracy and lawyers!!!!!!!!!!

[Justice anyone]

10:17 AM on 04/14/2012

In the name of "fairness", (Which doesn't seem to be a prioirty with HuffPost), then the old picture of Martin, at the age of 12 or 13, on the banner at the top of this section, should be accompanied by a picture of Zimmernan at the age of 12 or 13... But then, that wouldn't put the proper slant to the article, would it???

[GERALD ROSS]

06:12 PM on 04/14/2012

A Child is DEAD

[jujusugamama]

12:45 AM on 04/14/2012

Well it's about time. I hope he gets what he deserves!!!

[avilez64]

06:07 PM on 04/13/2012

I am amazed at how many people are sooo obsesed with race. We now have white latinos ,black hispanics and so on. It seems that those who put themselves high on the totem pole are the ones who are so full of hate. It was first reported that GZ was latino and now he is a white-hispanic. The TM issue was a right and wrong issue. Now I am getting lectured on ethnicity from a bunch of fouled mouthed people on the left on how they want to be identified. Where did all of this hate come from and where is it going to lead us and our children. I chanllange the left to communicate with civility and humility and people will listen.

[ema123]

03:01 PM on 04/14/2012

A first step would be to practice what you preach

[avilez64]

08:34 PM on 04/14/2012

nice no potty words

[fabuloush2s]

02:36 PM on 04/15/2012

I am also amazed that the obession has been surpressed for too many years and not addressed in a civil and wholesome forum. It is out of hand and loosing the importance for any factors this country is heading towards the future for. Employment, hospitialization, benefit treatment, education, housing, credit ratings, law enforcement accountability, civil and due process rights... there are more but significally, race plays into every fiber of this countries seams, and yet, the leadership has the audacity to believe we are well regarded in the world? How stupid can one get?? People throughout the world view this country has doomed... and disrespect our reference to democracy and who is entitled ... the word, "our" this and "our" that has separation meanings. Our neighorhood, other than non-perfect surroundings.. but while the community stores owned by mamma n papa, make their income and living off of people of color. Wake up and stop being stupid!! Trayvon's incident is the role call for America to either begin talking about race, or destroy the... purpose!

[avilez64]

10:06 PM on 04/15/2012

WoW talk about a delayed reaction two days late and two dollars short. lol

[RockyMissouri]

04:39 PM on 04/13/2012

All the time that has been wasted...... If only they would have followed what the lead investigator recommended IN THE FIRST PLACE.

[fabuloush2s]

02:48 PM on 04/15/2012

They would have followed if the Father had not made his appearance either by telephone or in person. GZ contacted his Father has he had done many times in the past to get him off. The provisions in the SYG statue, intimidates law enforcement regarding charges if there is not enough evidence at the time, not allowing for further investigation or ongoing but at the time of the arrest. Someone reviewed this statue and determined the probable cause was not there within hours of the incident. If the investigator had arrested and held GZ, the statue would have allowed GZ to sue the police department for damages and attorney fees, if taken to trial and received a "not guility verdict"-- and it goes further to prevent anyone for filing a wrongful death cause of action if the verdict vindicates GZ or person. This statue is obviouly flawed, because many cannot sue the PD when performing their investigative duties. I am amazed that Fl leadership allowed this to become law in its' definition...what a travesty of justice!!!!!!! Fl is unfit to write laws for the enforcement of justice. Repealing is required if not for only this sick clause...

[phaps]

02:35 PM on 04/13/2012

The Sanford Police Department and the Prosecutors office should have done this on the night George Zimmerman murdered Travon Martin. They entered into a conspiracy to obstruct justice and should be held accountable for their actions and inaction's. What ever degree of murder he faces it is still murder our legal terminology does not change the fact that he murdered Travon Martin. There are no degrees of death. Travon Martin lies in a grave murdered by George Zimmerman. Remember Travon Martin. Their is an ill wind blowing in America and it is the and we need to not forgett the lessons of the past as they are our guide to the future. Travon Martin, Travon Martin

[fabuloush2s]

11:29 AM on 04/13/2012

My heart goes out first, to the Martins for their courage and patience to perform the ultimate challenge - to seek Justice for their slain teenage Son Trayvon..If it was not for the web and networking tools of this great technology advancement.. would have prevented a rapid and moving process to unite peaceful marchers and demonstrators from the east to west, north to south, with millions signing the change.org petition made available online.

Secondly, to the Zimmerman Family- for supporting their son George and having him turn in safe and privately. Further, to go through the process and tell your stories to the court and officials of law. After -- may you find peace and understanding in the Justice System.

I do not understand or know why this happened, but as I wrote elsewhere, there is a higher force driving this effort is my belief. The word orders us a time and place for everything under the sun. We must fight for life, trials and tribulations. Never give up.. hope and faith..never disbelieve in miracles...! My feeling is that this will expose Fl state and assist others in their matters of violations and unjust situations. Trayvon is a special name ... he fought the good fight and now he is watching from above ~ Peace~

[William J Unverferth Sr]

11:13 AM on 04/13/2012

I think Zimmerman will not see a conviction on a major charge. The big drawback to the case is the statements of the original attorney. Then there is the self defense angle, forget SYG... plain self preservation while getting your head bashed in is a big defense. There has been no facts presented as to how the fight got started. Who threw the first punch etc. plays big in the self defense arena. The prosecution has a large burden of proof and I do not think they can meet it at this time.

[PPacking]

11:11 AM on 04/13/2012

Instead of answering all the different false claims that are written here, Instead, I will ask you to take the time to read these pages. From everything I read. this guy has a pretty good description and links to all the different events and evidence records. it is a worthwhile read.

http://justoneminute.typepad.com/main/2012/04/zimmerman-arrest-affidavit-described.html

http://justoneminute.typepad.com/main/2012/03/last-map-of-the-retreat-at-twin-lakes.html

http://justoneminute.typepad.com/main/2012/04/zimmerman-case-a-quick-review.html

[ema123]

03:09 PM on 04/14/2012

Much of it false - the phone records show the phone call and the time it occured, A right wing loaded with nothing more than comments and further lies is hardly a credible source

[Darci Scott]

10:50 AM on 04/13/2012

this happened because a fool was encouraged by bigger fools of the NRA to carry a gun...

is it possible that cell phones can replace guns on the street.....just about everyone carries a cell phone.......

i am Wondering what the outcome of all this would have been, if when trayvon realized this guy was following him, if he had called 911 himself and reported his concern about being followed by a stranger......

maybe this is a wakeup call for all of us to start re-assessing how we handle certain situations........

[afretired1984]

12:18 PM on 04/14/2012

I hate to think of what our country would be like today if a liberal like you had been here when our constitution was written. Guns would be forbidden (except to criminals) and if anyone had used one to protect himself against some poor( "misunderstood" person,as you libs call the criminals) they would be sent to prison. The black ppanthers would have had a field day with your ideas.

of course the lib mods willdelete this because thhe TRUTH HURTS!!

[fabuloush2s]

01:16 PM on 04/14/2012

Libs and Conservatives? This is not about two parties. It's about guns regardless of political beliefs. Why separate the issue going down party lines? True, the NRA is a money making industry, always was and will be.

Some or many purchasers/members, do not buy NRA products to store in safe places. Take Zimmerman for an example, he legally purchased and carried to use when he felt to do so.

Under Fl law, he used his fire arm to committ the murder of Trayvon (his admission) Previously, he used influence in higher places his (Father), who may have sheltered him from prosecution previously and currently. Wrong? Perhaps.... still need to be fully investigated for what his Father may have done.

The actions of his Father very questionable, but he still could not get full release due to the Martin Family who remained fearless. They stomached all kinds of hatred...just to achieve this point. For that, I feel the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt will vindicate Trayvon's pre-death cries for help..Whichever way it goes, Justice is achieved in many areas. Truth delivers justice.. not the other way around!

[Darci Scott]

10:20 PM on 04/14/2012

at the time of the writing of the constitution guns were a necessity, 200 plus years later handguns/concealed weapons are not a necessity......

[Middleline]

09:58 AM on 04/17/2012

Zimmermans cell phone didn't help anyone in this case. HOLDING my NRA hand up yelling THANK YOU the LOUDEST... Lifetime member NRA To join ~> next post

[Middleline]

07:50 AM on 04/20/2012

hummmm... http://abcnews.go.com/US/george-zimmerman-case-exclusive-photo-shows-bloodied-back/story?id=16177849

[lemmyk73]

10:02 AM on 04/13/2012

The case is going to be thrown out.

Zimmerman was charged to appease the mob. Had they not arrested Zimmerman, the streets would have been overrun. Corey also needs to run for re-election and by not making an arrest, she would never win. This entire thing is about politics.


Zimmerman will walk. Then what?

[William J Unverferth Sr]

11:14 AM on 04/13/2012

riots probably. This scenario has played out over and over again.

[Debanne]

07:40 PM on 04/14/2012

It's ain't over yet. I hope the prosecutor is not playing that game.

[Mr MOTO]

09:06 AM on 04/13/2012

HP deciding that this is a non-story after all? This thing has been on the main for two weeks, until the weak charges were filed.

[Juan Toral]

06:47 AM on 04/13/2012

Don't you people that opt to defend a killing, whether it be justifiable or not, right or wrong, understand? ...This case must be tried in a court of law, if we live in a lawful society... Otherwise killers will be coming out of the woodwork!

[martharadarears]

02:06 PM on 04/13/2012

This should have been put under crime, not black voices. The fact is that many of the posters were white, and HuffPost knows that.

[RockyMissouri]

04:47 PM on 04/13/2012

YOU are disgusting, and have no manners....