State Attorney Wolfinger’s presence was unusual.
On a typical case, police contact the state attorney’s office and speak with an on-duty assistant state attorney; they either discuss the matter by phone or the on-duty assistant state attorney comes to the crime scene. Investigators spoke to the on-duty assistant state attorney who did not come to the scene — but State Attorney Wolfinger did.
Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee, along with Capt. Robert O’Connor, made the decision to release George Zimmerman after consulting with Wolfinger — in person. After a conversation between Lee, O’Connor and Wolfinger, the decision was made to “cut Zimmerman loose”.
Homicide investigator Chris Serino filed an affidavit stating that he did not believe Zimmerman’s account of the shooting. He recommended charging the 28-year-old with manslaughter, but was advised by Wolfinger’s office that there wasn’t enough evidence to secure a conviction. Zimmerman was subsequently released.
If true, the account may explain why Wolfinger recused himself from the case, on the same day Lee announced he was stepping aside.
I missed that story. It seems to contradict a statement released by the City of Sanford but perhaps they are two different things.