There is no doubt a confrontation happened. But that does not always amount to a cause for self defense. If Zimmerman tried to detain Martin and they struggled as a result Zimmerman is partially responsible for provoking the attack.
Zimmerman knew the police were on the way. He had not witnessed any crime. He made the comment about “.. they always get away.” He had no reason to think he or anyone else was in personal danger. In my opinion he decided to pursue Martin and possibly try to hold him for the police. That was way beyond reasonable actions based on the facts he had at the time.
If Martin (and who will ever now) thought he was in danger from this large strange guy who was making unfounded accusation against him, then yeah Martin was right to defend himself.
By the way I have listened to the tapes with screaming. It sounds like a young man. I imagine both of them were screaming and since witnesses are easily lead and things happened very fast I would not rely on what witnesses heard to determine the truth.
The “stand and defend” law was not written to address situations such as this, and Zimmerman should be charged with homicide.
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No, if Zimmerman, who was armed, tried to detain Martin then Zimmerman would be 100% responsible.
The SYG law would apply to Martin defending himself - not to the instigator.
Are you aware that shortly after Mr. Zimmerman got out of his truck Trayvon ran off into the darkness?
In the initial police report, Zimmerman is listed as 5-9, Martin is listed as 6-0.
The dead kid was seen on top of the shooter, beating him!
I don’t believe the “shot him running away” crap.