NEW DEVELOPMENT IN TRAYVON MARTIN CASE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanControversy has surrounded the shooting of Trayvon Martin ever since that fateful evening back in February. Millions of people have rallied for justice over the past month and a half including Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.
Although it seemed to take longer than expected, George Zimmerman was taken into custody earlier this evening, charged with second-degree murder and transported to the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center. He is being held without bail. A hearing in the case is expected as early as tomorrow. Zimmerman’s new attorney said that his client will enter a plea of not guilty. In Florida, if convicted, he could face life in prison.
Craig Sonner and Hal Uhrig originally represented Zimmerman but no longer represent him because they say they lost contact with their client. They are replaced by Mark O’Mara.
Trayvon Martin was walking back to his dad’s home from the store on the evening of February 26th in Sanford, Florida when a confrontation ensued and Zimmerman ended up shooting Martin. All the details leading up to the fatal shooting are still questionable and under investigation.
When Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, parents of Trayvon, were told of the arrest, they were extremely relieved and announced in a conference that justice will certainly prevail in the end.
The case has sparked a debate all across the country about race and racial profiling. It is quite questionable, with all the publicity, if Zimmerman will be able to receive a fair trial.
Florida Governor Rick Scott issued the following statement earlier today: “No matter what State Attorney Corey determines following her investigation of the Trayvon Martin tragedy, I trust in the goodness of all Florida citizens to allow our justice system to reach an appropriate conclusion in the case”.
There is an ongoing investigation by the Justice Department as well and has been underway for the last three weeks. The FBI is also assisting.
PHOTO CREDITS: A/P and Reuters
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