Would you punch then knock down someone for watching, following, or questioning you then bounce their skull into the sidewalk? How can that be justified? Martin feared Zimmerman was on the phone with the police. What was he so afraid of if he was just on a ‘Skittle’ run?
Don't know. If I felt threatened by some stranger watching, following, and asking me a bunch of questions, I'd wonder about his motive, and be prepared to defend myself. ESPECIALLY, if I am stranger in a strange neighborhood as Martin was.
As far as we have seen from the media, Martin was on the phone with his girlfriend. THAT conversation will go a long way to Martin's state of mind, if it is possible to find a recording, and not depend on word of mouth.
There are a lot of questions left in this case, and the prosecutor must have something other than what we have heard for this to go 2nd Degree.
Now, just to give you an example of what can go wrong when facts not in evidence need to be produced in a court of law, here's a recent one.
A Marine, retired from service, spots a burglary in progress, he phones 911 from INSIDE his truck, a description of the pair, the minivan they are driving, his location. Staying in communication, he follows the minivan to get the license plate. In the meantime, the pair see him following, stop, and approach the vehicle. Now, one of the perps, who has a long criminal background smashes the window and begins to attack the Marine. Sanchez draws his weapon seated INSIDE his truck and fires, killing the perp with 911 on the end of the line.
That case went to court to determine if the Marine fired to guard property or to defend himself.
What happened in this case is the Marine was charged, and never went to trial as the judge determine it was self defense.
The difference here is Sanchez STAYED in his truck. That is one of the factors in the Zimmerman case, that will determine his fate.
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If the grown stranger had a gun, you bet I would.