Let’s not talk about race. Let’s imagine for a moment, that all of the characters in this play are grey, or mauve, or chartreuse, and let’s talk about justice.
A man on neighborhood patrol spots a teenager walking through a gated community. He calls the police, who tell him they are on the way and not to follow him. His response, as he ignores law enforcement: “these assholes always get away.”
He follows the youth. He gets out of his car. Loud confrontation ensues, loud enough for neighbors to call 911. The (now released) 911 tapes reveal a boy pleading for his life, followed by gunfire.
A child dies. This is a tragedy.
Police arrive, and discover the man they told not to follow this child, has killed him. No arrest is made, as police later claim his record is “squeaky clean.” It is later discovered he had a criminal record and a history of aggressive behavior. The shooter–who outweighed the child by 100 pounds–was carrying a licensed handgun. He claims self-defense. The child was carrying a bag of Skittles and an iced-tea. When questioned, the police say they lack “probable cause” to warrant an arrest.
Probable cause can be defined as “a reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime.” The shooter remains free, and the child remains dead.
This is a grave injustice.
In a free society it is our greatest responsibility to protect our children. The faith we place in those entrusted to enforce law asks that the application be universal, even if this means they implicate themselves.
Listen to the 911 calls. And ask yourself: if this was your child, would you feel justice has been served?
Read Sanford Chief of Police Lee’s letter to GMP’s Senior Editor, Justin Cascio, regarding the death of Trayvon Martin.
Image: orlando sentinel
About Jackie Summers
Zimmerman should have politely engaged the young man, found out about him, and given him a ride to where he was going. That’s how it’s done by people who actually know what they are doing. I have no idea why he started by calling the police. If he’s too scared to actually have a conversation with strangers (or is it just black strangers) then he had no business being out there. And that is probably the understatement of the year. Jail this idiot now.
This case is really weird to say the least. I have so many questions about the facts that go unanswered. I hope they look at the hard evidence and make it public soon.
this was a racist act let the shoe would have been on the other foot if that was a black man that killed a 17yr old white kid….would there be any questions?????i don’t think so he would’ve have gotten beaten by the police and threw under the jail for murder….this man needs to be stoned to death…..i pray to the good lord that when he meets his maker hes punished that child was pleading for his life…i cried hearing the tapes…i cant wait until see if he’s charged and they need to throw him in a mostly african american prison so he can get what he deserves he will reap what he sow…….rest in peace baby boy trayvom ….
Let’s not talk about race. Let’s imagine for a moment, that all of the characters in this play are grey, or mauve, or chartreuse, and let’s talk about justice. Are you suggesting his actions were just?
i swear that is some bull shit that should not of happened to that yung man the way it did
in reply to jackie summers, no the writer is not suggesting that the actions were just. It’s quite the opposite. The objective is to say that even if race is not considered, Justice was still not served.
sorry. jackie is the author. I misread the comments
I am an black male and have been strongarmed by authority figures for years and even if I had perpetrated a crime,the factor of being big and black and aggressive in an altercation weigh heavily againstt me even when the authorities or accuser were the aggressor. Even when being handcuffed or suspected of a crime,I am treated as guilty. Even if I had just coached some youth in sports and helped an elderly lady across the street and with her groceries,I could take ten steps and be umder scrutiny if someone just accused me of a crime. This is all experieces from walikn around in brown skin.
My apologies. No he is not justified for shooting a fellow earthling. No not justified no way no how. Justified on suspicion,on calling it in ,on being concerned. But this man should not have a kill of another human
Under his belt no matt
er how much grieving he is doing? The act of permission to carry comes with the reality of responsibilty to ones fellow man and trust. The responsibility that we all assume that you will
I believe one of the most important questions remain undiscussed, which is why does the “stand your ground law only apply to Zimmerman and not Trayvon? Trayvon was being pursued by an unknowingly person without just cause and had every right to defend himself. Although the outcome for Trayvon was horrific, why does a law only apply to one individual and not all involved?