Trayvon Martin Case : Separating the facts from fiction

With the extensive media coverage surrounding the death of Trayvon Martin, no one really knows the facts from fiction.

Since videos and experts have come forward refuting Zimmerman’s claim of self-defense. Meanwhile, many people are asking what’s real and what’s fake.

There have been many writing opinions on the case. It is important to comb through the situation and focus on the facts.

Here’s what we do know:

On Feb 26, 2012, Trayvon was shot and killed by Zimmerman as he returned from a Florida 7-Eleven after buying a bag of skittles and iced tea. He was then spotted by Zimmerman while returning to his father’s girlfriend’s apartment inside their gated community. Zimmerman called 911, explaining that Trayvon, who was wearing a hoodie at the time, a pair of blue jeans, and red/white sneakers, looked suspicious.

Zimmerman then pursued Trayvon even after he was told not to by the 911 dispatcher.

When Zimmerman approached Trayvon, the two got into a scuffle, resulting in Trayvon taking a bullet to the chest at point blank range.

Zimmerman claimed that he shot Trayvon on the grounds of self-defense and has since been in hiding.

Those are the facts of the case. However with video surveillance tapes, and several different witnesses, some facts have been misconstrued. Here are some facts versus fiction.

Zimmerman case: Fact vs fiction

Fact: George Zimmerman would routinely call police to report crimes in the neighborhood including alerting the police about a 9-year-old black kid who he deemed suspicious.

Fact: Trayvon was serving a 10-day suspension from school when his mom sent him up to a quiet, racially mixed gated community in Sanford with his dad.

Another Fact: On that Sunday, Trayvon talked for nearly five hours on the phone. Before he was killed he talked with his girlfriend up to the moment he was confronted by Zimmerman.

Fiction: Zimmerman said Trayvon hit him in the nose hard, causing him to hit the ground. Then, he says, Trayvon started punching him and slamming his head on the concrete. A video surveillance shows no visible sign of blood or bruises in relation to the injuries.

Fiction: George Zimmerman’s father told reporters the conversation between Trayvon and George went like- “Do you have a f—ing problem?” to which George Zimmerman replied no and reached for his phone to call police a second time.

Fiction: Robert Zimmerman Jr., George’s brother, said Trayvon said something to the effect of ‘You’re going to die now’ or ‘You’re gonna die tonight’ as he beat George, then at some point, George pulled his pistol and did what he did.”

Fact: Meanwhile, Sanford police fingerprinted Trayvon after his death. He had never been arrested, so 12 hours passed before anyone knew his name.

Source – GlobalGrind