Reports of Zimmerman's initial statement (not confirmed or denied by the police at this point):
"Zimmerman told police that he lost sight of Martin and was walking back to his SUV when Martin approached him from the left rear, and they exchanged words.Martin asked Zimmerman if he had a problem. Zimmerman said no and reached for his cell phone, he told police. Martin responded, "Well, you do now" or something similar and punched Zimmerman in the nose."
[Side note: I've seen reports that GZ's father is now saying that TM said, "You're gonna die now, m******f******" or something to that effect which is much more inflammatory than GZ's reported, "Well, you do now."]
Martin's girlfriend doesn't know who spotted whom first but she does confirm that TM was the first to speak -- "Why you following me?" and GZ's "What are you doing here?" (Was this the exchange of words mentioned in GZ's reported statement?)
She also claims that she heard a scuffle followed by a disconnected line. And like the initial sighting, she would have no way to know if this scuffle was initiated by TM or by GM.
Proposed theory: Is it possible that the "you got a problem?" and the "no" came after a bit of shoving or grabbing by one or both? When GZ reached for his phone, did TM see the gun holster tucked inside his waistband? Is is possible that he punched GZ because he mistakenly though GZ was going for his gun at that point? If you punch a guy with a gun, a guy that you know spent several minutes watching you for no reason that you're aware of, do you then let him up or do you make sure he's incapacitated before you stop?
Said in previous threads and repeating here for good measure here: I don't think either of these guys thought they were the bad guy. There seems to be ample indication that each was highly suspicious of the other. Tension was likely high on both sides and each reacted accordingly. Unfortunately, it ended very badly for both of them.
There is no way to prove that Zimmerman is guilty of anything. All the evidence supported Zimmerman’s story.
There is no point in all this conjecture.
I’m wondering if Zimmerman can sue NBC for that edited tape that NBC touted as the “smoking gun”?
There is enough time in the altercation to have both. "You [have a problem] now" as the first punch is thrown, then, when Z's gun is revealed and TM attempts to take it, TM saying "You're gonna die tonight." 45 - 75 seconds between the two remarks. From 911 calls, there was an argument, words, not just fighting.
Thanks Phathead - not following everything so thanks for the account of the “conversation” by Z’s father.
And yes Reese - it very well may have been BOTH were in fear of danger.