When "Neighborhood Watch" Gets Out of Hand

[OldDog]

Originally Posted by Riot

My statement didn't go to Zimmerman's trial results (technical guilt or innocence), but the obvious fact that if Zimmerman had not been carrying a loaded gun, and paid attention to Martin, Martin would not be dead.

Zimmerman wasn't even on "neighborhood watch", he was on his way to Target. His mere presence and loaded gun started the events of the night that ended with Martin's death.

Sorry I misunderstood your post, then. I too thought that you were pronouncing Zimmerman guilty.

Yes, Zimmerman was carrying a gun, and it is accepted that he followed Martin. So far, nothing illegal done there. The questions - and I'm wondering what evidence will be presented to answer them - are who initiated physical contact, how it escalated, and also whether Zimmerman attempted to withdraw from contact once it began. In reading opinions on Florida law, it seems that Zimmerman could have a good case for self-defense even if he initially provoked the confrontation. But then, as I said, I'm giving this opinion without benefit of all the facts.