Admitting that he was "not privy to whats going on in someones mind," Santorum nevertheless said that Zimmerman, who shot and killed teenager Trayvon Martin while participating in a neighborhood watch last month, "has a very sick mind who would pursue someone like this." He added that Zimmerman's motive had been "malicious."
The mental state of the alleged perpetrator, the motive, and the question of whether he pursued the alleged victim, are both critical in determining guilt. Santorum's conclusions are consistent with first-degree murder under Florida law.
As a lawyer, Santorum ought to know that Zimmerman would be entitled to a presumption of innocence if he were facing trial--and he has not even been charged with a crime.