Normally, I do not offer posts on elements of street crimes that plague our cities, including my own here in Central Florida. If fact, only one post on the Casey Anthony saga here in Orlando was offered. I am not Greta Van Susteren!
Every now and then, unfortunately, a case has issues that go beyond the police blotter and commentary is relevant and helps offer clarity on a more significant issue. Such is the case in the recent shooting death of young man in the town of Sanford, on the north end of Greater Orlando in Seminole County.
From reading local media accounts and hearing the 911 tapes, I gather the following:
A neighborhood crime watch captain, one who appears to have called 911 with a level of frequency above normal, called to report a man walking outside in the gated residential community who was described as "up to no good" by the caller, identified as George Zimmerman. During the call to 911, 911 operators got a description and told Zimmerman to cease any further pursuit and they would handle it from that point. Rather than retreating as directed by the 911 operator, Zimmerman, armed, continued pursuit until engaging the potential suspect, who was identified as 17 year old Trayvon Martin, who it is learned was talking to his girlfriend on the phone while traveling back from a convenience store. An altercation came to pass, and the end result was that Martin was fatally shot by Zimmerman. Obtained by authorities, Zimmerman claimed that he shot Martin in self defense. The Sanford Police Department, who has a less than stellar, and rightfully so, reputation, has not filed charges against Zimmerman.
The community is outraged, and from what I have been able to ascertain, I share their outrage. The local media is on fire, and the story has gained national attention. In fact, Al Sharpton is scheduled to be here on Thursday.
I have absolutely no use for Sharpton, who I see as a racism pimp. You see, Zimmerman is Hispanic and Martin was black, which, as justice is color blind, should not be an issue. Sharpton does not show up attempting to help families of Americans, only black Americans.
Mr. Zimmerman is innocent until proven guilty. However, it seems to me we have a potentially racist overzealous neighborhood crime watch volunteer who failed to respect the advice of the 911 operator and took action miles beyond his very limited authority which resulted in the death of an innocent young man with a seemingly bright future. I am not a lawyer, but I call that manslaughter.
Most unfortunately, the Sanford PD has failed the community once again, and more powerful authorities need to intervene. The community has been legally active in protest, which seems warranted. Whether the victim was black, white, or polka dot, it appears an injustice is taking place in Sanford.
We don't need Al Sharpton to know that.
Every now and then, unfortunately, a case has issues that go beyond the police blotter and commentary is relevant and helps offer clarity on a more significant issue. Such is the case in the recent shooting death of young man in the town of Sanford, on the north end of Greater Orlando in Seminole County.
From reading local media accounts and hearing the 911 tapes, I gather the following:
A neighborhood crime watch captain, one who appears to have called 911 with a level of frequency above normal, called to report a man walking outside in the gated residential community who was described as "up to no good" by the caller, identified as George Zimmerman. During the call to 911, 911 operators got a description and told Zimmerman to cease any further pursuit and they would handle it from that point. Rather than retreating as directed by the 911 operator, Zimmerman, armed, continued pursuit until engaging the potential suspect, who was identified as 17 year old Trayvon Martin, who it is learned was talking to his girlfriend on the phone while traveling back from a convenience store. An altercation came to pass, and the end result was that Martin was fatally shot by Zimmerman. Obtained by authorities, Zimmerman claimed that he shot Martin in self defense. The Sanford Police Department, who has a less than stellar, and rightfully so, reputation, has not filed charges against Zimmerman.
The community is outraged, and from what I have been able to ascertain, I share their outrage. The local media is on fire, and the story has gained national attention. In fact, Al Sharpton is scheduled to be here on Thursday.
I have absolutely no use for Sharpton, who I see as a racism pimp. You see, Zimmerman is Hispanic and Martin was black, which, as justice is color blind, should not be an issue. Sharpton does not show up attempting to help families of Americans, only black Americans.
Mr. Zimmerman is innocent until proven guilty. However, it seems to me we have a potentially racist overzealous neighborhood crime watch volunteer who failed to respect the advice of the 911 operator and took action miles beyond his very limited authority which resulted in the death of an innocent young man with a seemingly bright future. I am not a lawyer, but I call that manslaughter.
Most unfortunately, the Sanford PD has failed the community once again, and more powerful authorities need to intervene. The community has been legally active in protest, which seems warranted. Whether the victim was black, white, or polka dot, it appears an injustice is taking place in Sanford.
We don't need Al Sharpton to know that.
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