Florida boy killed by Neighborhood Watch (8 Viewers)

[pantherclub]

Could you give an example of how his facebook or whatever may be relevant?

Under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(a)(2) (I haven't checked Florida's Rules of Evidence but most State rules track the Federal Rules), the accused is entitled introduce evidence of the victim's character if that evidence is relevant to the accused's defense. As Zimmerman is claiming self-defense, character evidence that tends to establish that Martin was violent and or aggressive could be relevant. Facebook posts present a certain problem as it's very easy to imagine that Martin acted differently on Facebook than he would in real life. But if it's a close call, I think most judges would side with the criminal defendant, who has a constitutional right to present his case.With that said, the Judge would be mindful of making sure that only character evidence going to agression or violence would be introduced. Not evidence that he used drugs or whatever. It doesn't say much that the defense has been allowed to seek discovery of the social media. You don't need to prove relevance to seek discovery.

Again, could you give an example?

The last sentence belies the need for an example, doesn't it? At this time, isn't defense only seeking discovery, not asking to introduce anything into evidence?

I was really just asking jonmx what he thought could be on there to make it worthy.

 

[pantherclub]

Could you give an example of how his facebook or whatever may be relevant?

Under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(a)(2) (I haven't checked Florida's Rules of Evidence but most State rules track the Federal Rules), the accused is entitled introduce evidence of the victim's character if that evidence is relevant to the accused's defense. As Zimmerman is claiming self-defense, character evidence that tends to establish that Martin was violent and or aggressive could be relevant. Facebook posts present a certain problem as it's very easy to imagine that Martin acted differently on Facebook than he would in real life. But if it's a close call, I think most judges would side with the criminal defendant, who has a constitutional right to present his case.With that said, the Judge would be mindful of making sure that only character evidence going to agression or violence would be introduced. Not evidence that he used drugs or whatever. It doesn't say much that the defense has been allowed to seek discovery of the social media. You don't need to prove relevance to seek discovery.

Again, could you give an example?

Who knows what is contained in a 17 year old facebook postings (thus the request to review them). Maybe he was exchanging comments back and forth with a friend and said something like 'The next time someone steps up to me I'm going to knock them out' or 'No ones going to get in my way of doing things'. To act like there would be zero chance there could be anything there is confusing to say the least. Will there be? Who knows. I don't, nor do you.

I dont act like there is zero chance there is something there its just that how could you put whatever there in context with what happened?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Could you give an example of how his facebook or whatever may be relevant?

Under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(a)(2) (I haven't checked Florida's Rules of Evidence but most State rules track the Federal Rules), the accused is entitled introduce evidence of the victim's character if that evidence is relevant to the accused's defense. As Zimmerman is claiming self-defense, character evidence that tends to establish that Martin was violent and or aggressive could be relevant. Facebook posts present a certain problem as it's very easy to imagine that Martin acted differently on Facebook than he would in real life. But if it's a close call, I think most judges would side with the criminal defendant, who has a constitutional right to present his case.With that said, the Judge would be mindful of making sure that only character evidence going to agression or violence would be introduced. Not evidence that he used drugs or whatever. It doesn't say much that the defense has been allowed to seek discovery of the social media. You don't need to prove relevance to seek discovery.

Again, could you give an example?

Forgive my dramatic license. I secretly wish to write for The WireFRIEND OF TRAYVON: Yo, Trayvon way to step to Tre.TRAYVON: Ha, ha. That ****** got KTFO!

 

[Witz]

Didn't see anyone mention this yet:

Girlfriend Lied Under Oath

What would be the point about lying about that?

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

Could you give an example of how his facebook or whatever may be relevant?

Under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(a)(2) (I haven't checked Florida's Rules of Evidence but most State rules track the Federal Rules), the accused is entitled introduce evidence of the victim's character if that evidence is relevant to the accused's defense. As Zimmerman is claiming self-defense, character evidence that tends to establish that Martin was violent and or aggressive could be relevant. Facebook posts present a certain problem as it's very easy to imagine that Martin acted differently on Facebook than he would in real life. But if it's a close call, I think most judges would side with the criminal defendant, who has a constitutional right to present his case.With that said, the Judge would be mindful of making sure that only character evidence going to agression or violence would be introduced. Not evidence that he used drugs or whatever. It doesn't say much that the defense has been allowed to seek discovery of the social media. You don't need to prove relevance to seek discovery.

Again, could you give an example?

The last sentence belies the need for an example, doesn't it? At this time, isn't defense only seeking discovery, not asking to introduce anything into evidence?

I was really just asking jonmx what he thought could be on there to make it worthy.

Since all of his social media is deactivated it is hard to tell, but there were twitter exchanges with his brother about assaulting a bus driver prior to his 10-day suspension from school.

 

[Witz]

Could you give an example of how his facebook or whatever may be relevant?

Under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(a)(2) (I haven't checked Florida's Rules of Evidence but most State rules track the Federal Rules), the accused is entitled introduce evidence of the victim's character if that evidence is relevant to the accused's defense. As Zimmerman is claiming self-defense, character evidence that tends to establish that Martin was violent and or aggressive could be relevant. Facebook posts present a certain problem as it's very easy to imagine that Martin acted differently on Facebook than he would in real life. But if it's a close call, I think most judges would side with the criminal defendant, who has a constitutional right to present his case.With that said, the Judge would be mindful of making sure that only character evidence going to agression or violence would be introduced. Not evidence that he used drugs or whatever. It doesn't say much that the defense has been allowed to seek discovery of the social media. You don't need to prove relevance to seek discovery.

Again, could you give an example?

Who knows what is contained in a 17 year old facebook postings (thus the request to review them). Maybe he was exchanging comments back and forth with a friend and said something like 'The next time someone steps up to me I'm going to knock them out' or 'No ones going to get in my way of doing things'. To act like there would be zero chance there could be anything there is confusing to say the least. Will there be? Who knows. I don't, nor do you.

I dont act like there is zero chance there is something there its just that how could you put whatever there in context with what happened?

If he posted something like that a few days prior to that, it could go to his state of mind (about his willingness to confront another individual).

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

It's not really about Trayvon's state of mind.

Generally, in a trial, the rule is that past conduct is irrelevant as evidence to prove some type of conduct at the relevant time. There are all kind of exceptions, but in civil trials, we generally don't allow you to introduce evidence that some guy breached a contract with Samsung to prove he breached a contract with Apple. Or the converse (that he performed under 100 other contracts, so he wouldn't breach a contract with Apple).

In a criminal trial, because of the defendant's right to present a defense, we generally let the defendant introduce evidence of his own character. That he's a church goer. That he loves puppies. And we also let him introduce relevant evidence of a victim's character (with some additional rules cabining that somewhat for rape victims). So it's not so much to show that Trayvon had an intention to be violent at that time. It's to show that Trayvon had been violent in the past and that jurors should be allowed to draw an inference that he was capable of being violent to Zimmerman or threatening violence to Zimmerman.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

It's not really about Trayvon's state of mind.Generally, in a trial, the rule is that past conduct is irrelevant as evidence to prove some type of conduct at the relevant time. There are all kind of exceptions, but in civil trials, we generally don't allow you to introduce evidence that some guy breached a contract with Samsung to prove he breached a contract with Apple. Or the converse (that he performed under 100 other contracts, so he wouldn't breach a contract with Apple).In a criminal trial, because of the defendant's right to present a defense, we generally let the defendant introduce evidence of his own character. That he's a church goer. That he loves puppies. And we also let him introduce relevant evidence of a victim's character (with some additional rules cabining that somewhat for rape victims). So it's not so much to show that Trayvon had an intention to be violent at that time. It's to show that Trayvon had been violent in the past and that jurors should be allowed to draw an inference that he was capable of being violent to Zimmerman or threatening violence to Zimmerman.

but isnt that just hearsay? the stuff people drummed up was never proven ,lots of conjecture .Christ i say all kinds of crazy crap on face book and twitter ,does that make it true?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

It's not really about Trayvon's state of mind.Generally, in a trial, the rule is that past conduct is irrelevant as evidence to prove some type of conduct at the relevant time. There are all kind of exceptions, but in civil trials, we generally don't allow you to introduce evidence that some guy breached a contract with Samsung to prove he breached a contract with Apple. Or the converse (that he performed under 100 other contracts, so he wouldn't breach a contract with Apple).In a criminal trial, because of the defendant's right to present a defense, we generally let the defendant introduce evidence of his own character. That he's a church goer. That he loves puppies. And we also let him introduce relevant evidence of a victim's character (with some additional rules cabining that somewhat for rape victims). So it's not so much to show that Trayvon had an intention to be violent at that time. It's to show that Trayvon had been violent in the past and that jurors should be allowed to draw an inference that he was capable of being violent to Zimmerman or threatening violence to Zimmerman.

but isnt that just hearsay? the stuff people drummed up was never proven ,lots of conjecture .Christ i say all kinds of crazy crap on face book and twitter ,does that make it true?

There may be hearsay objections to some of it but there are exceptions that also come into play. My example could be admitted as a statement against interest. It might also be a party admission. My practice is beginning to focus more on criminal law, but I'm afraid I haven't researched whether the victim (as opposed to just the State) is an "opposing party" for the purposes of the party admission exception.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

It's not really about Trayvon's state of mind.Generally, in a trial, the rule is that past conduct is irrelevant as evidence to prove some type of conduct at the relevant time. There are all kind of exceptions, but in civil trials, we generally don't allow you to introduce evidence that some guy breached a contract with Samsung to prove he breached a contract with Apple. Or the converse (that he performed under 100 other contracts, so he wouldn't breach a contract with Apple).In a criminal trial, because of the defendant's right to present a defense, we generally let the defendant introduce evidence of his own character. That he's a church goer. That he loves puppies. And we also let him introduce relevant evidence of a victim's character (with some additional rules cabining that somewhat for rape victims). So it's not so much to show that Trayvon had an intention to be violent at that time. It's to show that Trayvon had been violent in the past and that jurors should be allowed to draw an inference that he was capable of being violent to Zimmerman or threatening violence to Zimmerman.

but isnt that just hearsay? the stuff people drummed up was never proven ,lots of conjecture .Christ i say all kinds of crazy crap on face book and twitter ,does that make it true?

There may be hearsay objections to some of it but there are exceptions that also come into play. My example could be admitted as a statement against interest. It might also be a party admission. My practice is beginning to focus more on criminal law, but I'm afraid I haven't researched whether the victim (as opposed to just the State) is an "opposing party" for the purposes of the party admission exception.

just smells of slander.Cant imagine a judge letting rumors and innuendos into a trial.The kids dead and cant even refute anything said.

 

[jon_mx]

It's not really about Trayvon's state of mind.Generally, in a trial, the rule is that past conduct is irrelevant as evidence to prove some type of conduct at the relevant time. There are all kind of exceptions, but in civil trials, we generally don't allow you to introduce evidence that some guy breached a contract with Samsung to prove he breached a contract with Apple. Or the converse (that he performed under 100 other contracts, so he wouldn't breach a contract with Apple).In a criminal trial, because of the defendant's right to present a defense, we generally let the defendant introduce evidence of his own character. That he's a church goer. That he loves puppies. And we also let him introduce relevant evidence of a victim's character (with some additional rules cabining that somewhat for rape victims). So it's not so much to show that Trayvon had an intention to be violent at that time. It's to show that Trayvon had been violent in the past and that jurors should be allowed to draw an inference that he was capable of being violent to Zimmerman or threatening violence to Zimmerman.

but isnt that just hearsay? the stuff people drummed up was never proven ,lots of conjecture .Christ i say all kinds of crazy crap on face book and twitter ,does that make it true?

The case against Zimmerman is mostly conjecture too. If there is evidence on social media that Martin associated with gangs and regularly engaged in street fights, it would support the idea that Zimmerman might not have started the fight and was in danger of being seriously injured. It will be a confusing case for the jury to decide. On one hand the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was murder, and the other hand the self-defense defense is proponderance of evidence. Jury instructions will be critical and how a jury reaches its decision.

 

[T Bell]

It's not really about Trayvon's state of mind.Generally, in a trial, the rule is that past conduct is irrelevant as evidence to prove some type of conduct at the relevant time. There are all kind of exceptions, but in civil trials, we generally don't allow you to introduce evidence that some guy breached a contract with Samsung to prove he breached a contract with Apple. Or the converse (that he performed under 100 other contracts, so he wouldn't breach a contract with Apple).In a criminal trial, because of the defendant's right to present a defense, we generally let the defendant introduce evidence of his own character. That he's a church goer. That he loves puppies. And we also let him introduce relevant evidence of a victim's character (with some additional rules cabining that somewhat for rape victims). So it's not so much to show that Trayvon had an intention to be violent at that time. It's to show that Trayvon had been violent in the past and that jurors should be allowed to draw an inference that he was capable of being violent to Zimmerman or threatening violence to Zimmerman.

but isnt that just hearsay? the stuff people drummed up was never proven ,lots of conjecture .Christ i say all kinds of crazy crap on face book and twitter ,does that make it true?

The case against Zimmerman is mostly conjecture too. If there is evidence on social media that Martin associated with gangs and regularly engaged in street fights, it would support the idea that Zimmerman might not have started the fight and was in danger of being seriously injured. It will be a confusing case for the jury to decide. On one hand the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was murder, and the other hand the self-defense defense is proponderance of evidence. Jury instructions will be critical and how a jury reaches its decision.

All I know is that I'm going to loot and riot no matter what the verdict. No justice, no peace!

 

[SacramentoBob]

It's not really about Trayvon's state of mind.Generally, in a trial, the rule is that past conduct is irrelevant as evidence to prove some type of conduct at the relevant time. There are all kind of exceptions, but in civil trials, we generally don't allow you to introduce evidence that some guy breached a contract with Samsung to prove he breached a contract with Apple. Or the converse (that he performed under 100 other contracts, so he wouldn't breach a contract with Apple).In a criminal trial, because of the defendant's right to present a defense, we generally let the defendant introduce evidence of his own character. That he's a church goer. That he loves puppies. And we also let him introduce relevant evidence of a victim's character (with some additional rules cabining that somewhat for rape victims). So it's not so much to show that Trayvon had an intention to be violent at that time. It's to show that Trayvon had been violent in the past and that jurors should be allowed to draw an inference that he was capable of being violent to Zimmerman or threatening violence to Zimmerman.

but isnt that just hearsay? the stuff people drummed up was never proven ,lots of conjecture .Christ i say all kinds of crazy crap on face book and twitter ,does that make it true?

There may be hearsay objections to some of it but there are exceptions that also come into play. My example could be admitted as a statement against interest. It might also be a party admission. My practice is beginning to focus more on criminal law, but I'm afraid I haven't researched whether the victim (as opposed to just the State) is an "opposing party" for the purposes of the party admission exception.

I never saw any direct quotes from Trayvon about the bus driver incident. It was more of a question from a relative asking if what he heard was true.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Seems to me that the case against Zimmermann is a lot more than conjecture. We know he shot Trayvon. We just don't know whether he was acting in self-defense.

What this case reflects is the split of authority among states over who bears the burden of proof when self-defense is asserted as an affirmative defense. As a matter of federal constitutional law, it doesn't violate Due Process for a state to put the burden of proving self-defense on the defendant. But many states, including Florida, don't do that. They leave the State with the burden of proving, beyond reasonable doubt, that the Defendant DID NOT act in self-defense.

In a case like this, with no eye witnesses, you can see the potential problem. So long as I don't shoot the guy in the back, I can claim self-defense and the State has to overcome a pretty heavy burden. For better or worse.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I never saw any direct quotes from Trayvon about the bus driver incident. It was more of a question from a relative asking if what he heard was true.

That's why discovery might be useful. What if someone posted about it on his wall? Then the defense would subpoena that person as a witness and ask if he/she saw the assault.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

I never saw any direct quotes from Trayvon about the bus driver incident. It was more of a question from a relative asking if what he heard was true.

That's why discovery might be useful. What if someone posted about it on his wall? Then the defense would subpoena that person as a witness and ask if he/she saw the assault.

thats my point,no bus driver ever said anything to anyone about any alleged assault.It was just a brief convo between friends asking if it was true. Thats all you`re going top see on his twitter.People who had an agenda were posting some grainy video of some black kid refereeing some kids fighting after school.Never proven it was him,pure speculation. No witnesses ever came forward because it wasnt him.My point is the defense is grasping at straws with his social media past.I went on Treyvons face book wall before they closed it and all i saw was hundreds of people saying how great a kid he was and how sad hes dead.

 

[Toad_1234]

So many people have preconceived notions and biases about this case, I am starting to wonder if it will end up in a hung jury. Without having seen all of the evidence, my prediction is a hung jury or an acquittal for Zimmerman and then a civil suit where Travyon's family will have a better chance, much like the OJ situation.

 

[Jewell]

So many people have preconceived notions and biases about this case, I am starting to wonder if it will end up in a hung jury. Without having seen all of the evidence, my prediction is a hung jury or an acquittal for Zimmerman and then a civil suit where Travyon's family will have a better chance, much like the OJ situation.

I've been leaning toward a possible hung jury outcome, too. I think hung jury or conviction, though.

 

[Toad_1234]

So many people have preconceived notions and biases about this case, I am starting to wonder if it will end up in a hung jury. Without having seen all of the evidence, my prediction is a hung jury or an acquittal for Zimmerman and then a civil suit where Travyon's family will have a better chance, much like the OJ situation.

I've been leaning toward a possible hung jury outcome, too. I think hung jury or conviction, though.

What a let down and a public relations nightmare a hung jury would be. There are so many twists and turns in this case already, I wouldn't be surprised by a few bombshells coming out during the trial though.

 

[GrandpaRox]

Wonder how many rapes, robberies and assaults Zimmerman stopped?

 

[T Bell]

Wonder how many rapes, robberies and assaults Zimmerman stopped?

Maybe there's a trail of Skittles we can use to count.

 

[GrandpaRox]

Wonder how many rapes, robberies and assaults Zimmerman stopped?

Maybe there's a trail of Skittles we can use to count.

Please don't make believe he was a sweet innocent little kid. I am sure you have seen the pictures of Zimmerman. He was a thug or thug wanna be, plain and simple. His family lied, his girlfriend lied, his whole made up persona was a lie. Did he deserve to die, don't know. Was he a sweet innocent little boy, don't think so. If someone attacked me like he obviously attacked Zimmerman, he would also be on the receiving end of a muzzle. Maybe he should have thought before he acted in such a vicious way. The guy was a thug punk and picked on the wrong person to mess with. Zimmerman may or may not go down for the charges but if I were on the jury there is no way he would be found guilty. If the glove/story don't fit you must acquit. All it takes is one person out of 12 and he is free.

 

[T Bell]

Wonder how many rapes, robberies and assaults Zimmerman stopped?

Maybe there's a trail of Skittles we can use to count.

Please don't make believe he was a sweet innocent little kid. I am sure you have seen the pictures of Zimmerman. He was a thug or thug wanna be, plain and simple. His family lied, his girlfriend lied, his whole made up persona was a lie. Did he deserve to die, don't know. Was he a sweet innocent little boy, don't think so. If someone attacked me like he obviously attacked Zimmerman, he would also be on the receiving end of a muzzle. Maybe he should have thought before he acted in such a vicious way. The guy was a thug punk and picked on the wrong person to mess with. Zimmerman may or may not go down for the charges but if I were on the jury there is no way he would be found guilty. If the glove/story don't fit you must acquit. All it takes is one person out of 12 and he is free.

:skittles:

 

[Toad_1234]

Wonder how many rapes, robberies and assaults Zimmerman stopped?

Maybe there's a trail of Skittles we can use to count.

Please don't make believe he was a sweet innocent little kid. I am sure you have seen the pictures of Zimmerman. He was a thug or thug wanna be, plain and simple. His family lied, his girlfriend lied, his whole made up persona was a lie. Did he deserve to die, don't know. Was he a sweet innocent little boy, don't think so. If someone attacked me like he obviously attacked Zimmerman, he would also be on the receiving end of a muzzle. Maybe he should have thought before he acted in such a vicious way. The guy was a thug punk and picked on the wrong person to mess with. Zimmerman may or may not go down for the charges but if I were on the jury there is no way he would be found guilty. If the glove/story don't fit you must acquit. All it takes is one person out of 12 and he is free.

:skittles:

 

[FootballDummy]

Wonder how many rapes, robberies and assaults Zimmerman stopped?

Maybe there's a trail of Skittles we can use to count.

Please don't make believe he was a sweet innocent little kid. I am sure you have seen the pictures of Zimmerman. He was a thug or thug wanna be, plain and simple. His family lied, his girlfriend lied, his whole made up persona was a lie. Did he deserve to die, don't know. Was he a sweet innocent little boy, don't think so. If someone attacked me like he obviously attacked Zimmerman, he would also be on the receiving end of a muzzle. Maybe he should have thought before he acted in such a vicious way. The guy was a thug punk and picked on the wrong person to mess with. Zimmerman may or may not go down for the charges but if I were on the jury there is no way he would be found guilty. If the glove/story don't fit you must acquit. All it takes is one person out of 12 and he is free.

I'll bet you're lots of fun at parties.

 

[Jewell]

I wonder if the Mars company secretly likes all this free advertising for Skittles.

 

[T Bell]

I wonder if the Mars company secretly likes all this free advertising for Skittles.

If four more die, you got a whole week's worth of advertising.

 

[Neofight]

On the social media front: Well played, Robbie.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

I never saw any direct quotes from Trayvon about the bus driver incident. It was more of a question from a relative asking if what he heard was true.

That's why discovery might be useful. What if someone posted about it on his wall? Then the defense would subpoena that person as a witness and ask if he/she saw the assault.

thats my point,no bus driver ever said anything to anyone about any alleged assault.It was just a brief convo between friends asking if it was true. Thats all you`re going top see on his twitter.People who had an agenda were posting some grainy video of some black kid refereeing some kids fighting after school.Never proven it was him,pure speculation. No witnesses ever came forward because it wasnt him.My point is the defense is grasping at straws with his social media past.I went on Treyvons face book wall before they closed it and all i saw was hundreds of people saying how great a kid he was and how sad hes dead.

If he was a minor when it happened, and it happened at school, and police were not involved, you wouldn't hear about it. It would be part of his school disciplinary file. Which was sealed by the family/attorney...How likely do you think it is that this kid never punched anyone before?

 

[RBM]

Poor Zimmerman set free yet? Let the guy get on with his life.

 

[kutta]

On the social media front: Well played, Robbie.

Maybe I'm just getting old, but I have no idea what was said in those tweets.

 

[SacramentoBob]

It pisses me off that "go to the first unread post" doesn't work in this thread.

 

[Concept Coop]

Please don't make believe he was a sweet innocent little kid. I am sure you have seen the pictures of Zimmerman. He was a thug or thug wanna be, plain and simple. His family lied, his girlfriend lied, his whole made up persona was a lie. Did he deserve to die, don't know. Was he a sweet innocent little boy, don't think so. If someone attacked me like he obviously attacked Zimmerman, he would also be on the receiving end of a muzzle. Maybe he should have thought before he acted in such a vicious way. The guy was a thug punk and picked on the wrong person to mess with. Zimmerman may or may not go down for the charges but if I were on the jury there is no way he would be found guilty. If the glove/story don't fit you must acquit. All it takes is one person out of 12 and he is free.

 

[Charlie Frown]

Trayvon Martin Case: Handwritten letter from girl reportedly on phone with slain teen made public

(CBS) - A handwritten letter sent to Trayvon Martin's parents by the girl who says she was on the phone with Martin just before the teen was fatally shot has been made public, as part of new filings in the case against George Zimmerman.

PICTURES: George Zimmerman faces murder charge

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the letter was attached to prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda's response to a defense request for sanctions against the state for not revealing that the girl, known as Witness 8, had made false statements.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting death of Martin. He has pleaded not guilty and says he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense during an altercation in Sanford, Fla.

Martin was visiting his father's apartment complex when he encountered Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, after going to a nearby 7-11 during the NBA All-Star game. On the night in question, Zimmerman called police to report seeing someone suspicious in the complex; he told the operator that there had been break-ins recently in the area.

In the girl's letter to Martin's parents, dated March 19. 2012, she misspells Trayvon's first name twice (referring to him as Trevon). She writes that she was "on the phone with Trevon when he decided to go to the cornerstore [sic]."

She continues: "It started to rain so he decided to walk through another complex because it was raining to [sic] hard. He started walking then noticed someone was following him. Then he decided to find a shortcut cause the man wouldn't follow him. Then he said the man didn't follow him again. Then he looked back and saw the man again. The man started getting closer. Then Trevon turned around and said why are you following me. Then I heard him fall, then the phone hung up."

The Sentinel reports that Witness 8 has been caught in two apparent lies: she reportedly misstated her age and lied about being hospitalized during Martin's wake.

The defense reportedly denied any misconduct regarding its handling of the girl's statements.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

Trayvon Martin Case: Handwritten letter from girl reportedly on phone with slain teen made public

(CBS) - A handwritten letter sent to Trayvon Martin's parents by the girl who says she was on the phone with Martin just before the teen was fatally shot has been made public, as part of new filings in the case against George Zimmerman.

PICTURES: George Zimmerman faces murder charge

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the letter was attached to prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda's response to a defense request for sanctions against the state for not revealing that the girl, known as Witness 8, had made false statements.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting death of Martin. He has pleaded not guilty and says he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense during an altercation in Sanford, Fla.

Martin was visiting his father's apartment complex when he encountered Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, after going to a nearby 7-11 during the NBA All-Star game. On the night in question, Zimmerman called police to report seeing someone suspicious in the complex; he told the operator that there had been break-ins recently in the area.

In the girl's letter to Martin's parents, dated March 19. 2012, she misspells Trayvon's first name twice (referring to him as Trevon). She writes that she was "on the phone with Trevon when he decided to go to the cornerstore [sic]."

She continues: "It started to rain so he decided to walk through another complex because it was raining to [sic] hard. He started walking then noticed someone was following him. Then he decided to find a shortcut cause the man wouldn't follow him. Then he said the man didn't follow him again. Then he looked back and saw the man again. The man started getting closer. Then Trevon turned around and said why are you following me. Then I heard him fall, then the phone hung up."

The Sentinel reports that Witness 8 has been caught in two apparent lies: she reportedly misstated her age and lied about being hospitalized during Martin's wake.

The defense reportedly denied any misconduct regarding its handling of the girl's statements.

Why doesn't she know how to spell his name? Add that to the two lies she has already been caught telling and her credibility is now zero.

Attorneys for George Zimmerman were expected to ask his judge this morning to order the state's most important witness, the young Miami woman who was on the phone with Trayvon Martin just before he was shot, to produce medical records.

However, defense lawyer Don West made a startling claim shortly after the hearing began: The state had revealed, before the hearing, that there are no medical records.

The woman, the defense lawyer said, "misrepresented" in a sworn statement that she missed Trayvon's funeral because she had been hospitalized.

"In fact, she lied," West said.....

Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon's family, identified her as 16 years old when he played for reporters a recorded interview he conducted with her in March.

But she was 18 at the time and 19 now, O'Mara says.

During that interview by Crump, (she) said she had been on the phone with Trayvon and he said he was scared because a strange man was following him. She said she heard Trayvon and the man come face to face and heard them exchange a few words then the phone went dead.

 

[cstu]

"In fact, she lied," West said.....

I told you guys she was lying.

 

[timschochet]

What a lot of crap.

This case still comes down to Zimmerman's credibility on the witness stand. I think it's pretty clear he's lying, but who knows for sure. What amazes me are all the people here who are willing to take his word for it. An armed man follows some unarmed kid, and the unarmed kid attacks him, and tries to kill him, so that the armed man is forced to use his gun. Are you kidding me? If you think this guy is innocent, then you are either nuts or you have an agenda.

 

[Daywalker]

I wonder if the Mars company secretly likes all this free advertising for Skittles.

New evidence is saying it was likely Swedish fish.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

What a lot of crap. This case still comes down to Zimmerman's credibility on the witness stand. I think it's pretty clear he's lying, but who knows for sure. What amazes me are all the people here who are willing to take his word for it. An armed man follows some unarmed kid, and the unarmed kid attacks him, and tries to kill him, so that the armed man is forced to use his gun. Are you kidding me? If you think this guy is innocent, then you are either nuts or you have an agenda.

He lied about what? What did he do that was illegal? He spotted an outsider in his gated security neighborhood and followed him and I believe he probably called out to him which was ignored. Martin put his hoodie on and started going between houses, this doesn't seem suspicious to you? A scuffle ensued and he shot him. The only thing I can imagine YOU think happened is that Zimmerman ran, tackled, started punching Martin but I find that really hard to believe and would have expected the opposite to happen. Maybe Martin thought, he's just following me because I'm black so I am just going to keep walking and ignore this crazy man, that is something I know you think. I also know you ignore the severity of the wounds Zimmerman suffered and never thought his life was in danger, which by law it doesn't need to be for self-defense.

 

[proninja]

Poor Zimmerman set free yet? Let the guy get on with his life.

If I were Zimmerman and I was found innocent, I'd either move to Idaho or out of the country.

 

[jon_mx]

What a lot of crap. This case still comes down to Zimmerman's credibility on the witness stand. I think it's pretty clear he's lying, but who knows for sure. What amazes me are all the people here who are willing to take his word for it. An armed man follows some unarmed kid, and the unarmed kid attacks him, and tries to kill him, so that the armed man is forced to use his gun. Are you kidding me? If you think this guy is innocent, then you are either nuts or you have an agenda.

That story is basically true. Except you leave out the part that Martin had no idea Zimmerman was armed. Martin had no intention on killing Marrin, but unfortunately since there was a fun involved it became a life-threatening situation. Tim as usual you get too emotionally involved in your thinking process. It was a tragic incident, but you have to suspend rationale thinking to believe that Martin was not the one to initiate the physical assault. He was obviously pissed this guy was following him, which provoked The fight. But Zimmerman would have to be a moronic lunatic to initiate the assault knowing a gun was involved.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Trayvon Martin Case: Handwritten letter from girl reportedly on phone with slain teen made public

(CBS) - A handwritten letter sent to Trayvon Martin's parents by the girl who says she was on the phone with Martin just before the teen was fatally shot has been made public, as part of new filings in the case against George Zimmerman.

PICTURES: George Zimmerman faces murder charge

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the letter was attached to prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda's response to a defense request for sanctions against the state for not revealing that the girl, known as Witness 8, had made false statements.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting death of Martin. He has pleaded not guilty and says he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense during an altercation in Sanford, Fla.

Martin was visiting his father's apartment complex when he encountered Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, after going to a nearby 7-11 during the NBA All-Star game. On the night in question, Zimmerman called police to report seeing someone suspicious in the complex; he told the operator that there had been break-ins recently in the area.

In the girl's letter to Martin's parents, dated March 19. 2012, she misspells Trayvon's first name twice (referring to him as Trevon). She writes that she was "on the phone with Trevon when he decided to go to the cornerstore [sic]."

She continues: "It started to rain so he decided to walk through another complex because it was raining to [sic] hard. He started walking then noticed someone was following him. Then he decided to find a shortcut cause the man wouldn't follow him. Then he said the man didn't follow him again. Then he looked back and saw the man again. The man started getting closer. Then Trevon turned around and said why are you following me. Then I heard him fall, then the phone hung up."

The Sentinel reports that Witness 8 has been caught in two apparent lies: she reportedly misstated her age and lied about being hospitalized during Martin's wake.

The defense reportedly denied any misconduct regarding its handling of the girl's statements.

Why doesn't she know how to spell his name? Add that to the two lies she has already been caught telling and her credibility is now zero.

Attorneys for George Zimmerman were expected to ask his judge this morning to order the state's most important witness, the young Miami woman who was on the phone with Trayvon Martin just before he was shot, to produce medical records.

However, defense lawyer Don West made a startling claim shortly after the hearing began: The state had revealed, before the hearing, that there are no medical records.

The woman, the defense lawyer said, "misrepresented" in a sworn statement that she missed Trayvon's funeral because she had been hospitalized.

"In fact, she lied," West said.....

Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon's family, identified her as 16 years old when he played for reporters a recorded interview he conducted with her in March.

But she was 18 at the time and 19 now, O'Mara says.

During that interview by Crump, (she) said she had been on the phone with Trayvon and he said he was scared because a strange man was following him. She said she heard Trayvon and the man come face to face and heard them exchange a few words then the phone went dead.

so shes a liar because she cant spell Her story coincides with zimmermans for the most part,he claims he followed trey ,which she says , and there is a confrontation ,which she also says happened....so whats the problem?

 

[Christo]

Trayvon Martin Case: Handwritten letter from girl reportedly on phone with slain teen made public

(CBS) - A handwritten letter sent to Trayvon Martin's parents by the girl who says she was on the phone with Martin just before the teen was fatally shot has been made public, as part of new filings in the case against George Zimmerman.

PICTURES: George Zimmerman faces murder charge

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the letter was attached to prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda's response to a defense request for sanctions against the state for not revealing that the girl, known as Witness 8, had made false statements.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting death of Martin. He has pleaded not guilty and says he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense during an altercation in Sanford, Fla.

Martin was visiting his father's apartment complex when he encountered Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, after going to a nearby 7-11 during the NBA All-Star game. On the night in question, Zimmerman called police to report seeing someone suspicious in the complex; he told the operator that there had been break-ins recently in the area.

In the girl's letter to Martin's parents, dated March 19. 2012, she misspells Trayvon's first name twice (referring to him as Trevon). She writes that she was "on the phone with Trevon when he decided to go to the cornerstore [sic]."

She continues: "It started to rain so he decided to walk through another complex because it was raining to [sic] hard. He started walking then noticed someone was following him. Then he decided to find a shortcut cause the man wouldn't follow him. Then he said the man didn't follow him again. Then he looked back and saw the man again. The man started getting closer. Then Trevon turned around and said why are you following me. Then I heard him fall, then the phone hung up."

The Sentinel reports that Witness 8 has been caught in two apparent lies: she reportedly misstated her age and lied about being hospitalized during Martin's wake.

The defense reportedly denied any misconduct regarding its handling of the girl's statements.

Why doesn't she know how to spell his name? Add that to the two lies she has already been caught telling and her credibility is now zero.

Attorneys for George Zimmerman were expected to ask his judge this morning to order the state's most important witness, the young Miami woman who was on the phone with Trayvon Martin just before he was shot, to produce medical records.

However, defense lawyer Don West made a startling claim shortly after the hearing began: The state had revealed, before the hearing, that there are no medical records.

The woman, the defense lawyer said, "misrepresented" in a sworn statement that she missed Trayvon's funeral because she had been hospitalized.

"In fact, she lied," West said.....

Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon's family, identified her as 16 years old when he played for reporters a recorded interview he conducted with her in March.

But she was 18 at the time and 19 now, O'Mara says.

During that interview by Crump, (she) said she had been on the phone with Trayvon and he said he was scared because a strange man was following him. She said she heard Trayvon and the man come face to face and heard them exchange a few words then the phone went dead.

so shes a liar because she cant spell

No. Perhaps you should read the posts you quoted.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Trayvon Martin Case: Handwritten letter from girl reportedly on phone with slain teen made public

(CBS) - A handwritten letter sent to Trayvon Martin's parents by the girl who says she was on the phone with Martin just before the teen was fatally shot has been made public, as part of new filings in the case against George Zimmerman.

PICTURES: George Zimmerman faces murder charge

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the letter was attached to prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda's response to a defense request for sanctions against the state for not revealing that the girl, known as Witness 8, had made false statements.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting death of Martin. He has pleaded not guilty and says he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense during an altercation in Sanford, Fla.

Martin was visiting his father's apartment complex when he encountered Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, after going to a nearby 7-11 during the NBA All-Star game. On the night in question, Zimmerman called police to report seeing someone suspicious in the complex; he told the operator that there had been break-ins recently in the area.

In the girl's letter to Martin's parents, dated March 19. 2012, she misspells Trayvon's first name twice (referring to him as Trevon). She writes that she was "on the phone with Trevon when he decided to go to the cornerstore [sic]."

She continues: "It started to rain so he decided to walk through another complex because it was raining to [sic] hard. He started walking then noticed someone was following him. Then he decided to find a shortcut cause the man wouldn't follow him. Then he said the man didn't follow him again. Then he looked back and saw the man again. The man started getting closer. Then Trevon turned around and said why are you following me. Then I heard him fall, then the phone hung up."

The Sentinel reports that Witness 8 has been caught in two apparent lies: she reportedly misstated her age and lied about being hospitalized during Martin's wake.

The defense reportedly denied any misconduct regarding its handling of the girl's statements.

Why doesn't she know how to spell his name? Add that to the two lies she has already been caught telling and her credibility is now zero.

Attorneys for George Zimmerman were expected to ask his judge this morning to order the state's most important witness, the young Miami woman who was on the phone with Trayvon Martin just before he was shot, to produce medical records.

However, defense lawyer Don West made a startling claim shortly after the hearing began: The state had revealed, before the hearing, that there are no medical records.

The woman, the defense lawyer said, "misrepresented" in a sworn statement that she missed Trayvon's funeral because she had been hospitalized.

"In fact, she lied," West said.....

Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon's family, identified her as 16 years old when he played for reporters a recorded interview he conducted with her in March.

But she was 18 at the time and 19 now, O'Mara says.

During that interview by Crump, (she) said she had been on the phone with Trayvon and he said he was scared because a strange man was following him. She said she heard Trayvon and the man come face to face and heard them exchange a few words then the phone went dead.

so shes a liar because she cant spell

No. Perhaps you should read the posts you quoted.

maybe she felt bad for not going to the funeral....ive lied before to get out of going to wakes and such...shes a 16 yo kid...gimmi a break. None of that changes the fact that she knew things that only trey and zimmy would have known.

 

[Christo]

Trayvon Martin Case: Handwritten letter from girl reportedly on phone with slain teen made public

(CBS) - A handwritten letter sent to Trayvon Martin's parents by the girl who says she was on the phone with Martin just before the teen was fatally shot has been made public, as part of new filings in the case against George Zimmerman.

PICTURES: George Zimmerman faces murder charge

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the letter was attached to prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda's response to a defense request for sanctions against the state for not revealing that the girl, known as Witness 8, had made false statements.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting death of Martin. He has pleaded not guilty and says he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense during an altercation in Sanford, Fla.

Martin was visiting his father's apartment complex when he encountered Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, after going to a nearby 7-11 during the NBA All-Star game. On the night in question, Zimmerman called police to report seeing someone suspicious in the complex; he told the operator that there had been break-ins recently in the area.

In the girl's letter to Martin's parents, dated March 19. 2012, she misspells Trayvon's first name twice (referring to him as Trevon). She writes that she was "on the phone with Trevon when he decided to go to the cornerstore [sic]."

She continues: "It started to rain so he decided to walk through another complex because it was raining to [sic] hard. He started walking then noticed someone was following him. Then he decided to find a shortcut cause the man wouldn't follow him. Then he said the man didn't follow him again. Then he looked back and saw the man again. The man started getting closer. Then Trevon turned around and said why are you following me. Then I heard him fall, then the phone hung up."

The Sentinel reports that Witness 8 has been caught in two apparent lies: she reportedly misstated her age and lied about being hospitalized during Martin's wake.

The defense reportedly denied any misconduct regarding its handling of the girl's statements.

Why doesn't she know how to spell his name? Add that to the two lies she has already been caught telling and her credibility is now zero.

Attorneys for George Zimmerman were expected to ask his judge this morning to order the state's most important witness, the young Miami woman who was on the phone with Trayvon Martin just before he was shot, to produce medical records.

However, defense lawyer Don West made a startling claim shortly after the hearing began: The state had revealed, before the hearing, that there are no medical records.

The woman, the defense lawyer said, "misrepresented" in a sworn statement that she missed Trayvon's funeral because she had been hospitalized.

"In fact, she lied," West said.....

Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon's family, identified her as 16 years old when he played for reporters a recorded interview he conducted with her in March.

But she was 18 at the time and 19 now, O'Mara says.

During that interview by Crump, (she) said she had been on the phone with Trayvon and he said he was scared because a strange man was following him. She said she heard Trayvon and the man come face to face and heard them exchange a few words then the phone went dead.

so shes a liar because she cant spell

No. Perhaps you should read the posts you quoted.

maybe she felt bad for not going to the funeral....ive lied before to get out of going to wakes and such...shes a 16 yo kid...gimmi a break. None of that changes the fact that she knew things that only trey and zimmy would have known.

You really didn't read what you quoted, did you?

 

[jon_mx]

I think everyone is full of crap in this case. Zimmerman is guilty of slanting facts. The DA's office and police are slanting facts. The gf and family are slanting. Everyone has an agenda.

 

[BobbyLayne]

But Zimmerman would have to be a moronic lunatic to initiate the assault knowing a gun was involved.

Are you suggesting there's ample evidence GZ is neither of those things?

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

Trayvon Martin Case: Handwritten letter from girl reportedly on phone with slain teen made public

(CBS) - A handwritten letter sent to Trayvon Martin's parents by the girl who says she was on the phone with Martin just before the teen was fatally shot has been made public, as part of new filings in the case against George Zimmerman.

PICTURES: George Zimmerman faces murder charge

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the letter was attached to prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda's response to a defense request for sanctions against the state for not revealing that the girl, known as Witness 8, had made false statements.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting death of Martin. He has pleaded not guilty and says he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense during an altercation in Sanford, Fla.

Martin was visiting his father's apartment complex when he encountered Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, after going to a nearby 7-11 during the NBA All-Star game. On the night in question, Zimmerman called police to report seeing someone suspicious in the complex; he told the operator that there had been break-ins recently in the area.

In the girl's letter to Martin's parents, dated March 19. 2012, she misspells Trayvon's first name twice (referring to him as Trevon). She writes that she was "on the phone with Trevon when he decided to go to the cornerstore [sic]."

She continues: "It started to rain so he decided to walk through another complex because it was raining to [sic] hard. He started walking then noticed someone was following him. Then he decided to find a shortcut cause the man wouldn't follow him. Then he said the man didn't follow him again. Then he looked back and saw the man again. The man started getting closer. Then Trevon turned around and said why are you following me. Then I heard him fall, then the phone hung up."

The Sentinel reports that Witness 8 has been caught in two apparent lies: she reportedly misstated her age and lied about being hospitalized during Martin's wake.

The defense reportedly denied any misconduct regarding its handling of the girl's statements.

Why doesn't she know how to spell his name? Add that to the two lies she has already been caught telling and her credibility is now zero.

Attorneys for George Zimmerman were expected to ask his judge this morning to order the state's most important witness, the young Miami woman who was on the phone with Trayvon Martin just before he was shot, to produce medical records.

However, defense lawyer Don West made a startling claim shortly after the hearing began: The state had revealed, before the hearing, that there are no medical records.

The woman, the defense lawyer said, "misrepresented" in a sworn statement that she missed Trayvon's funeral because she had been hospitalized.

"In fact, she lied," West said.....

Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon's family, identified her as 16 years old when he played for reporters a recorded interview he conducted with her in March.

But she was 18 at the time and 19 now, O'Mara says.

During that interview by Crump, (she) said she had been on the phone with Trayvon and he said he was scared because a strange man was following him. She said she heard Trayvon and the man come face to face and heard them exchange a few words then the phone went dead.

so shes a liar because she cant spell

No. Perhaps you should read the posts you quoted.

maybe she felt bad for not going to the funeral....ive lied before to get out of going to wakes and such...shes a 16 yo kid...gimmi a break. None of that changes the fact that she knew things that only trey and zimmy would have known.

You really didn't read what you quoted, did you?

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

This is how I would pick apart that hand written letter:

In the girl's letter to Martin's parents, dated March 19. 2012, she misspells Trayvon's first name twice (referring to him as Trevon). She writes that she was "on the phone with Trevon when he decided to go to the cornerstore [sic]."

So she was on the phone with him while he was walking to the grocery store, while he made his purchase, while he walked home, when it started to rain, and before the phone went "dead". That seems like an awfully long time, is she sure she was on the phone with him "when he decided to go to the cornerstore"? Can the person working the corner store confirm he was on the phone when he made his purchase?

She continues: "It started to rain so he decided to walk through another complex because it was raining to [sic] hard. He started walking then noticed someone was following him. Then he decided to find a shortcut cause the man wouldn't follow him.

So wait a minute, did he cut through another complex because it was raining or because he was being followed? I am pretty sure they have a pretty good map of the path Martin took, did he cut through the backyard of a complex and then take another change of course to try to avoid Zimmerman? Why would he start walking through people's backyards due to rain?

Then he said the man didn't follow him again. Then he looked back and saw the man again. The man started getting closer. Then Trevon turned around and said why are you following me. Then I heard him fall, then the phone hung up."

She heard him fall? Who him, Zimmerman him after Martin punched him? So she heard the fall but not the punch? How did the phone hang up? Was it found without the battery in place, were Zimmerman's fingerprints found on the phone, was the phone damaged, or did Martin hang up on her before he started wailing on Zimmerman "after he fell".This letter does a lot more harm than good.

 

[jon_mx]

But Zimmerman would have to be a moronic lunatic to initiate the assault knowing a gun was involved.

Are you suggesting there's ample evidence GZ is neither of those things?

Zimmerman is a coward wannabe cop. He maybe a lot of things, but he would not be that stupid. Martin is a wannabe badass fighter who was pissed that someone following him. If I had a million it would all go on Martin initiating the physical assault.