“If Zimmerman was punched in the head then lethal force is justified”
Unless of course, HE started and pursued the confrontation causing the kid to try to defend himself against him. NO right to self defense when you are the aggressor.
Bet a paycheck it went like this, he got out to confront the kid. Considering his comments that the kid had his hand by his waistband, he probably had the gun in hand. (making the common mistake that a pointed gun is a magic obedience ray)
Sometimes it is, but some people run, freeze, pee their pants, cuss,,, and some fight. If he was close enough, the kid might have jumped the unknown nut pointing a gun at him,,, and in the ensuing struggle, he lost. Sad.
Basically,,, the kid was new, and didn’t know Zimm. And Zimm didn’t know him. But the kid was doing nothing manifestly wrong,,, and things would been fine if Zimm woulda watched him from a distance. No reason to think the kid would have attacked uniform cops. He would have known who they were,, and that he was doing nothing wrong.
Zimm perfectly illustrates why neighborhood watches should just observe and report.
Also, in about 60 feet, Zimm woulda seen the kid walk into his house.
One thing to remember,, the kid was NOT in someones yard, looking into a window,, etc. There was simply nothing criminal occurring.
If I tell you I am from the neighborhood watch, ask your name and what you’re doing, and you come at me, hit me, knock me down and continue attacking me, I’m going to shoot you.