I have a further question: Why is it taking so long to arraign this guy? If there’s sufficient evidence of his guilt he should be arraigned. If not, he should be publicly released for lack of evidence and the states attorney stating they’re dropping all investigations.
Makes sense.
In many areas the Grand Jury is only in session quarterly...or less.
That could have something to do with it.
He wasn't arrested in the first place, because the police were unable to articulate a reason, based on evidence, to doubt Zimmerman's account.
If he had been arrested, "speedy trial" provisions of law kick in, and charges have to be brought in days.
I don't know the statute of limitations on manslaughter, but a suspect can be free for at least a year (indefinitely for murder and tax offenses) without being charged.
The delay in this case isn't really a delay yet. The case was scheduled to be put to a grand jury on April 10, by the original state (prosecuting) attorney, Wolfinger. The governor replaced Wolfinger on March 23, naming a special investigator to get the case completely outside of the normal routine. One would assume that "the clock starts over" with a brand new investigator.
-- he should be publicly released for lack of evidence and the states attorney stating they're dropping all investigations. --
The decision will most certainly be very public. Meanwhile, the state has treated him fairly while the media has crucified an innocent man.
It's taking so long because there's a huge new problem. Even if the authorities are convinced no prosecution is possible, based on the evidence, they can't protect him so they can't "release" him.
Where the New Black Panthers are in the picture, the need for a totally new concept is unavoidable : create a new Victim Protection Program. The rational alternative, arrest and prosecute the strutting thugs, is politically unfeasible, and still assure the physical safety of both the police and the Zimmerman family.
Because he was never arrested. He was questioned then released and has been cooperating with police since the first moment.