In less than 24 hours (but two actual days), the jury of six women return with the verdict in the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman trial. Details inside...
George Zimmerman's murder trial, in Sanford, FL, involving 17-year-old Trayvon Martin has now come to a close. Zimmerman was found NOT GUILTY of second degree murder, as well as NOT GUILTY of Manslaughter.
If you've been following the case, it was an intense and almost overwhelmingly emotional trial as it seemed to be a slam dunk case of a young black man walking in his own neighborhood and being followed, then killed, by a White/Hispanic man who believed he was "a threat".
The Defense essentially won their self-defense argument, and the non-diverse jury of six women, made up of at least 5 white women, came back with a completely Not Guilty verdict. While it was shocking, it wasn't as shocking to many people with legal expertise and those who have been watching the case and hoping that the jury heard what was really important.
Legal experts believe there were several misses by the Prosecution that would have caused Zimmerman to be found guilty, based on the evidence that was indeed there--but not used properly. Including the facets of racism that were ignored, yet strategically was still used by the defense (as the judge mandated "RACIAL profiling" was not brought into this.)
Our thoughts and prayers are with Trayvon's mother & father, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, as well as Trayvon's family, as TheYBF.com supports the Justice For Trayvon movement and justice for anyone who is wrongfully killed.
*UPDATE* Trayvon's parents posted these statements on Twitter Saturday evening after the verdict was read:
SF: Lord during my darkest hour I lean on you. You are all that I have. At the end of the day, GOD is still in control. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I will love you forever Trayvon!!! In the name of Jesus!!!
TM: Thanks to everyone who are with us and who will be with us si we together can make sure that this doesn't happen again. Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY BABY TRAY
Photo: Houston Chronicle, Source: MSNBC News (TV)