Blackfields & McWhites, Part 1
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 3:49PM “FBI may charge George Zimmerman with hate crime”
That was the heading of an online story published at the WFTV Website on Monday, May 14, 2012. WFTV-Channel 9 is the ABC network affiliate located in Orlando. The opening paragraph was very revealing in the sense of what it failed to do. It revealed nothing new or, for that matter, particularly newsworthy.
SANFORD, Fla. — WFTV has learned charges against George Zimmerman could be getting more serious.
State prosecutors said Zimmerman, a neighborhood watchman, profiled and stalked 17-year-old Trayvon Martin before killing him, so the FBI is now looking into charging him with a hate crime.
What’s so strange about this kind of journalism is that it fuels the fire. It’s called baiting. While starting the article with a leading statement, WFTV has learned, it offers nothing new beyond what we didn’t already know. What, exactly, did WFTV learn, and what does the word could mean, as in the charges could be getting more serious? THAT’S NOT NEWS! IT’S GUESSING! The article later adds a revelation:
FBI investigators are actively questioning witnesses in the retreat at the Twin Lakes neighborhood, seeking evidence for a possible federal hate crime charge.
Of course they are! That goes without saying. If the FBI is investigating any crime, agents from the bureau routinely interview everyone in sight of the crime. And everywhere else, for that matter. The remainder of the story is nothing more than superfluous fluff, a term I last used early in the Casey Anthony case — long before the trial and, quite possibly, while critiquing another WFTV piece. You see, soon after I began writing about Caylee and her mother, I was reminded of how biased the news could really be. In college in the 1970s, I wrote an article, An unbiased look at news slants that explained how it’s done every day. I’ve republished it over the years (with improvements) and it’s an easy read. It describes how simple it is to write a news story in a manner that subtly offers an opinion.
While attending most of the Casey Anthony hearings beginning in October, 2009, I got a lot of advice from many of the local journalists covering the case. They were familiar with me and my work. It wasn’t just advice, though. There were rumblings going on in O’do, the unofficial slang word for Orlando. Was WFTV on State Attorney Lawson Lamar’s payroll or something? I mean, it took me no time at all to see how blatant it was that the station got the jump on stories coming out of the State, and nothing at all from the defense. It was apparent that WFTV was pro-prosecution, in my opinion, and I was far from alone in my thinking.
In many of the posts I wrote before covering the trial for Orlando magazine, I made my assertions clear about bias. How I know I was far from alone in this regard was because of the feedback I garnered from other journalists covering the case. What’s up with that station? I was asked.
Here’s the deal. I’m not about ready to accuse a television news organization of unfair reporting. You are smart enough to figure it out yourself; but doesn’t it seem like the WFTV headline about charging George Zimmerman with a hate crime is a bit premature and racially baiting? The article contains no meat or any legs to stand on and it only serves to provoke the Trayvon Martin camp of supporters.
I don’t know. Perhaps May 15 was a slow news day around Orlando. It’s interesting to note that the story broke at 4:47 pm, just in time for the 5:00 o’clock news hour, and only one station reported it. Huh. Do you think it has anything to do with ratings?
(By the way, other news outlets reporting on the WFTV story don’t count.)
Dave Knechel | in 18th Circuit Court, Angela Corey, Benjamin Crump, Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, FBI, FDLE, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Forensics, George Zimmerman, Human Interest, Judge Kenneth R. Lester, Jr., Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Mark O'Mara, Sanford Police Department, Seminole County, Seminole County Courthouse, Seminole County Sheriff''s Office, Slimm v. Zimm, Social/Political, Stand Your Ground, State Attorney Angela Corey, State Attorney's Office, Sybrina Fulton, Tracy Martin, Trayvon Martin, WFTV, Zimm v. Slimm, marinadedave | Share Article | 1 Reference 
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Reader Comments (127)
I will buy the Detective degree. WHAT you do not have a medical degree? You told me last week my middle finger had an infection and I needed to chop it off. Little late but were you only kidding? :)
New Puppy ~ I know what you mean. Full disclosure, please. Most of my comments are my thoughts - confused and they never come out right.
Cherokee, Naive~you are an illiterate? I was being facetious because when I admitted to being a "racist" it was because I will not vote for Obama. I heard that accusation in '08 and I am hearing it now in this election year. Any dumbass would know I was being facetious since I pointed out that Obama has more white than black in him, but not you. Are you one of those who Val was having problems with because of the forum being filled with hatefulness? I'm beginning to wonder...now, why don't you put on your big girl panties, as Val would say, and drop it! And, try to remember that Snoopy is the second dog here. Geesh!
Great comment New Puppy. I agree there are a lot of questions that we will not ever know the answers to and then there are some that once the discovery is released we will know or be able to form our own opinions on. Some people take the wait and see attitude, and others take the sleuth attitude of trying to figure the case out as it goes along. I believe myself to be of the latter. For instance, given the details we do have thus far, it seems common sense to me that if you were going to take after a suspicious person who you do not know whether or not is armed, you would have your gun at the ready (or drawn) before taking off into the dark between the backsides of two townhomes. Two police officers chasing after a suspicious person would not make such a pursuit without having their weapons drawn, so it stands to reason that GZ would too. True, while we don't have any facts to substantiate that in this case yet, I have still formed an opinion of what I believe likely happened in that regard - and here is the lovely part - I can change my mind if the facts and evidence come in later to prove that opinion wrong. :-)
As for your questions: Yes, GZ had his gun reholstered or at least in his waist band when the police arrived - he told the officer where it was located. As for the 911 Dispatcher - you are right, it was not illegal to disobey the Dispatcher's instructions - but keep in mind that a juror (who is supposed to be thinking in terms of what a reasonable person would do under the same circumstances) will be considering this factor - should it be proven that GZ did not obey the Dispatcher was he doing what a reasonable person would have done by disobeying? I will state that while there is nothing illegal about following someone - when you do so while armed with a gun, it is considered an act of aggression.
I enjoyed reading your comment. Thanks
Sherry - you are the one that is causing problems on this blog and this is the ONLY blog where I have seen problems occurring. You obviously do not have a clue what happened with Val or you wouldn't be making such ignorant statements. But how could you - you were banned from her blog. LOL Bite Me.
ENOUGH! I DON'T WANT ANY TROUBLE ON MY BLOG BETWEEN COMMENTERS. IF YOU (PLURAL) HAVE NOTHING NICE TO SAY ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE, DON'T SAY IT. DO NOT ADDRESS EACH OTHER IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER! THIS IS ABOUT TRAYVON MARTIN AND GEORGE ZIMMERMAN. PERIOD!
DOCUMENT DUMP! Get ready, folks!
WONDERFUL NEWS, Dave.... I am ready....woot woot
While we wait for the links to the docs.... here is a video and brief recap ....
Trayvon Martin Had Drugs in System, Autopsy Found
Dave - Here you go:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/93951121/State-v-Zimmerman-Evidence-released-by-prosecutor
No, I was not banned from Val's blog-I left. I didn't like being amongst sock puppets. There is good reason why the RC admin has reiterateted their rules. They saw what happened to me at Val's and won't have it going on at RC. Now, knock it off.
I'm not going to go into a long dissertation of how long cannabis can stay in ones system, but just because Trayvon tested positive for it does not mean that he had USED/smoked that night...
[Although it's been many, many years, Estee, I can attest to what you just wrote. At 17, I indulged in a few indiscretions, pot being one of them, and I was no hoodlum. If anything, pot will make you want to lay back, eat, and listen to Pink Floyd albums. It's also my understanding that pot can last in your system for a month, although the high wears off within hours of smoking it.]
B.S.
Dave - you obviously cannot control your members - I don't need to put up with this type of conduct from your dogs.
By they way Sherry, you know what they call female dogs? Yeah, well you and Snoopy can keep on being Dave's Dogs. Adios. This blog has a reputation of you two Dogs running Dave's commentors off....no wonder - Try this crap on the other blogs and see how long you last there - just like Val's you will be history.
[I can control my members, but I would hope they would be able to police themselves. My warnings were directed at all involved, not one. Remember, it takes two (or more) to fight, and I don't want to have to single any one person out. My initial request was to ignore each other, but some chose to ignore that directive. After 8 years of blogging, I've seen it all, and I really hate to make demands on people. Generally, the problems work themselves out - with a little encouragement. Sometimes, they don't. Most of the time, there is no trouble. Do what you want, but your comments are still welcome here. So are the others. Just leave each other alone. That's all.]
Estee~~Dr Drew just said more or less what you just did. He thinks that the levels in Trayvon is immaterial... I learn something new every day... Thanks for the info..
No question that everyone has their eyes fixed on all the documents and no denial that at some time GZ could have been on his back on the ground, though his injuries appear more like scratches than as described in print here and there. Again the distance will have to determine if GZ probably fired the gun while down, or after up and standing, with the question, if Trayvon was on top and GZ then identified that he had a gun, or most likely Trayvon SAW that he had a gun, lets envision that Trayvon then backed off. What do we think about GZ possibly taking that advantage and firing. The distance, from a few inches to two feet, gun powder spread, AND angle of entry to the body imo will be important. To shoot Trayvon while under him, Trayvon possibly would have dropped on top of GZ, and I haven't read any such statement coming from GZ. To have been able to stand back up and shoot, I would lean more to Trayvon having found that he had a gun and backed off. Therefore, he would have been more willing to be submissive, and GZ could have fired anyway. Just quick thoughts before point outs that all is totally impossible.
Please when reading help me to determine how much time lapsed by who and for how long, before Trayvon was turned over and given any help. The first bit I read did not lead me to think that the officer recognized he had been shot, surely there would have been blood showing through his clothing. Trayvon having been on his stomach with hands underneath his body, which by the way indicates to me that when shot, Trayvon grabbed his chest, and fell forward. Now GZ at that point knew he had the upperhand, Did he turn the young man over and show any indication that he was concerned, or just let him lay there. Of course, maybe he fell onto his back and rolled over, right?
If Trayvon had been shot while on top of GZ, he also could have rolled off on to his back and then onto his stomach holding his chest. I hope if it is determined GZ was down when he shot Trayvon that they don't forget the position of both bodies at the moment because in such it makes sense that they were very close to each other. Both injured!! When one becomes a Neighborhood Watchman are they required to have any emergency training to help someone in case of a shooting? As you can see, this all bothers me, how much did Zimmerman care that this teenager had been shot????? and how quickly did Trayvon receive even the acknowledgement that he was fatally injured. There are repetitive statements from several officers in likeness regarding the victim on the ground, and I can not determine how to use the time hundreds stuff, I still say so and so o'clock but from the past, I know some of you are very good at calculating the time in all factors.
[I'm going to decipher what I can from the document release, New Puppy. I am also going to readdress the timeline based on the phone calls made by both parties that night. Hopefully, when I'm done writing it, things will be a bit clearer. Trust me, some things are still spinning in my head!]
Dave I never miss a post you snoops nicey used to be Hinky an lots of other sites ...A just dont comment much thease days .I tend to use thease type of blogs blink on crime R C ect to keep an eye on Americas social an crime problems wich I M O is on the up.Dont get me wrong Europe is tareing its self apart as well.Thats why I dont comment so much on your side of the pond so much there just so much going on over here.What with riots civill unrest crime an vilonce through the roof economics is a disaster ,We havent even made a dent on debt since the econmic collapse an things are about to get even worse with Greece defaulting an likely to trigger a domino effect wich willl bring down the Euro.Think of the chaos in America if the dollar collapse Its so funny Greece the birth place off democracy has a public refuseing to elect a goverment unless they agree to back out of tha austeritty cuts wage freeces reductions in pensions .An basicly locked the country into a stalemate with no elected goverment .There war crime trials going on for genosides in Africa an Bosnia,Andars Limpar that right wing fanatic commiting mass murder spree in Denmark.Anyway I I love to trad all thease blogs an others not to do with crime Futre Tom A T S ect.I just love to read always have.
[The world is a strange place, ecossie, and it just gets stranger. Keep reading everywhere, and please keep me on your best seller list!]
I really hope that Cherokee rethinks and decides to come back. I was so in tune with her thought process.I think that her work in the prosecutors gave a nice background for her to draw on office . At the end of the day we all have to just learn to use restraint because there is no greater turn off on a blog than outright hostility.
The autopsy said Travon was shot at intermediate range. Checkout this link. If he was shot at intermediate range as defined by this site- it does not bode well for Zimmerman. Interestingly enough. Michael Baden was on FOX saying that intermediate could be just an inch or so. Go figure
but here is the link
Gunshot Residue Test Results
[That is her decision to make. Her comments were very good and well thought out. What's that phrase... CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG???]
Hi, Y'All!
I think we've all figured eventually that these two were in rather close quarters- who-on-top-of-who still to be completely determined (AND, it could have started out one way and turned into another way- we do have GZ eventually on TM, best as I can figure), and let's face it, once TM's heart is blown he's not moving much of anywheres, except down and maybe back.
I think, as Dave says above, trajectory will be very important- from an angle up? Or straight? Or from a side angle? The latter would help GZ's side, obviously. If straight with little angle, clearly goes against the Defense contention.
I, for one, am completely unimpressed with GZ's wounds. Maybe having worked in a support position for almost 3 years in a hospital, or just good-ole life experience has jaded me, but this is rather warm beer. I said before, the Middle School nurse sees worse every week. And I sure don't see two black eyes AT ALL- I think his doc is being a tad helpful. The lack of real wounds may explain the hiding-out that began immediately and well before the attention of the media (and death threats, marches, etc.)- GZ was free to come and go in the days right after, but chose not to.
The THC is trace- the stuff can stay in the system many days, depending on amount taken and how potent or uncut the stuff was to begin with. It would be useful to know what, other than his self-reporting, there was in GZ, and how much.
[Hi Karen - There's still that question about who initiated the fight. If Zimmerman did, he cannot claim stand your ground. Once again, I am going to reiterate my position. Trayvon was walking along, minding his own business and doing nothing suspicious at all. George Zimmerman made him out to be a hoodlum. George Zimmerman carried a gun. George Zimmerman initiated the stalking, and George Zimmerman fired the gun. What is it that people don't comprehend? Had George Zimmerman listened to the police dispatcher and STAYED in his vehicle, Trayvon Martin would not be dead.
I do think the trajectory will be important. To end all confusion over the distance between the gun and the victim, it was only a matter of inches according to the stippling pattern.
I, too, am unimpressed by the injuries GZ sustained. Were they life-threatening? NO! If GZ started it, he was losing the fight, but he was nowhere close to death.]
Oh, and YES to the banner Dave, although I was fond of the cows...
And, as to the actual subject of your post (media, specifically WFTV's coverage)- well, Duh it's ratings! Imagine the mood at the morning meetings, say, the week after The Verdict. Morose might describe it, I bet. They have done their best to keep that balloon inflated since then, but, pfffttt.... This has been as manna in the wilderness.
[I loved the cow banner, too, but it was time for a change. It couldn't have come at a better time, either, because of all this TM/GZ material.
Yeah, it's ratings, and I understand that, but to me, that article was not newsworthy. It shed no new light on a 2 month old story.
Thanks, Karen.]
Per standard drug testing, cannabis has a half-life of about 14 days. A regular user who quit who probably have to stop 3-4 weeks prior to pass a drug test. That he had traces of cannabis in his system is consistent w/ his school suspension and nothing more. In context, people should understand that other kinds of drugs like heroin and cocaine have a half-life of just 48 to 72 HOURS not days. Therefore, someone can go to a party and snort a few lines on Friday and test negative at work on Monday. Which person do you think is more likely to have a drug problem? The person who smoked cannabis which is psychologically addicting but not physical or the cocaine/heroin user who may be jonesing?
[For years, back when I was a drinker, anyway, I've had guys ask me if I'd take a urine test for them because they knew I was clean. Not once did I ever say yes. They knew what they were doing and it was not my responsibility to bail them out. To this day, I have yet to hear about a stoner pick a fight with anyone. Pot puts you on the couch eating Cheese Doodles and nacho chips.]
ecossie possie, you know we appreciate your comments here. I hope you will comment as often as you can. You bring a different perspective to the cases we've commented together on. All the best to you across the pond! xo~
Ecossie is just explaining why he's not been around lately. He's across the pond, so right in the thick of the economic disputes over there and it's a very "live" issue for him (as opposed to True Crime here). So he's relating crime stats to economic situations, generally. OT, sure, but that's fine coming from an old friend like Ecossie.
Dave ~~well after pouring over those documents until late last evening, all I can say is that Mark O'Mara has his work cut out for him. He will be lucky to get the charge reduced to manslaughter. Now would be the time to file a motion for just that. I heard that Corey and De La Rionda will fight tooth and nails against Z getting the immunity on the Stand Your Ground. The sticker is that Zimmerman had no business in leaving his vehicle and pursuing Trayvon. Z used very poor judgement and it seemed he intended to catch one of the a**holes who always get away. By chasing after Trayvon, it put Zimmerman in the role of the aggressor.
One other thing going against Z is that he should not have been armed when he put himself in the role of Neighborhood Watchman that night.
I have a question for you, Dave. Let's just say that O'Mara gets Z to plea and try for manslaughter and Judge Lester accepts that. The judge will sentence him accordingly. Can the FBI still step in and charge Zimmerman with a hate crime too? Would this fall under double jeopardy or be considered a separate charge? I notice that OJ was charged with murder and then charged with wrongful death by the Goldman's. Did one fall under criminal and the wrongful death, civil?
Sorry, if these are stupid questions but they have crossed my mind.
[Any federal charge, if there ever is one, will have no bearing on the state charge, nor the outcome. In other words, a hate crime is is separate from any other crime. Personally, I don't see a fed charge anyway.]
I have a question. I also read over some of the reports. Trayvon's hands and nail clippings and the blood from his hand only has his dna. How is that possible? Did I not read it right? And also I believe his right hand had a scar, not a cut an actual scar. His right hand had one cut but looking at the M.E. drawing it looks to be located where a ring would be worn on his left hand. However I keep hearing cuts and scrapes but I did not get the impression his hands were all that tore up.
If Trayvon is beating Zimmerman into an adult diaper as GZ's brother would say how did Trayvon only have his blood and dna on his hands? Oh and 1 more thing. I thought GZ said they struggled for the gun yet nothing from Trayvon was found on gun or holster except maybe Trayvon's blood on the gun not the holster. Do we have a DNA expert on board? :)
[I've got to go to rehab for awhile, so maybe someone else can help, Laurali, but lack of GZ's DNA on TM's hands doesn't bode well for the defense.]
Sorry his left hand had a cut, looks like where a ring would be worn.
Photos, documents released in Trayvon Martin murder case
There is new evidence in the murder case against George Zimmerman for the death of Trayvon Martin.
The documents were released Thursday as Zimmerman awaits trial. (WARNING: Some of the images in the video are graphic.)
A surveillance camera inside a Sanford, Florida convenience store captured Trayvon Martin buying candy and an iced tea 20 minutes before the teen was shot by George Zimmerman.
Also released, crime scene photos showing a bullet casing in the grass, pictures of Zimmerman's 9mm gun and holster, and photos of Zimmerman taken minutes after the shooti
Read more and watch video at source
Laura ~~I didn't read about the dna as I did a lot of scanning. I hope to reread the docs in more depth so maybe we can get some answers. I know Sanford PD swabbed Z and got a sample. There is evidence held back from us so maybe what you are looking for has not been released.
I am wondering whether there is anything in the documents about the sound on the 911 tapes that may have been Zimmerman loading his gun. Cherokee posted two youtube videos under the previous post, one is the 911 tape, the other is a tape of a gun expert reviewing the same gun that GZ used. The sounds are very similar.
Cherokee, I hope that you are still around!
Thing is hash dope grass maryjane weed may have a half life of 14 days in your system,That doeasnt mean its undetectable after seven days,No that means 28 days after you smok it can be trace levells 14 days later.Tgis is true for 99 percent of elements,But also usless for THC....the one toxin that lingers in your system longer than any other is THC an this is the active commponent that gets you stoned wasred 3 sheets to the wind.T H C has the slowest disspesion rate of any recreatanal drug.Cocain is gone in 8 hours heroin 24 hours booze about three days speed 48 hours, lsd couplle of days.THC 3O DAYS OR MORE,Thats why a lot of jail inmates subject to random piss tets,For drug search.Wouldnt touch puff with a barge poll.But switched to other drugs to leave there system,,,,So what if TM had thc in his system .We know he ad smoked dope before an it coould have been there for weeks
Page 56, Tracy Martin was asked by Christoper Serino , if the voice yelling for help was his son and he anwered “no”. This was not audio recorded.
Page 147, the 911 audio was enhanced by Forensic Audios at 2 minutes, 20 second, the word following f***ing could not be done due to weak signal level and poor recording quality. Voice comparisons could not be done due to extreme stress and unsuitable audio quality
Snoopy I heard that a while back, but I also heard once they cleaned up the 911 call both of Trayvon's parents said that was him screaming for help.
Zimmerman attorney on just-released evidence
Sheaffer & Belich
A defendant, under Florida law, loses his “stand your ground” defense if he provoked the encounter — but he retains traditional self-defense if he reasonably believed his life was in danger and his only recourse was to employ deadly force. Thus, if Zimmerman verbally provoked Martin, but Martin then got on top of Zimmerman and banged his head into the ground, broke his nose, bloodied his eyes and persisted in attacking Zimmerman — and if Zimmerman couldn’t protect himself from further attack except by shooting Martin — he would have the right to do that.
Punched to Death
How easy is it to kill a man with your bare hands?
Corey Speaks About Zimmerman Evidence Release
I am still stuck on how GZ was able to obtain a carry permit. I read somewhere GZ and his wife were having trouble with a neighbor's pittbull and was told by an officer of the law that he and the wife should get carry permits to handle the dog situation. Does anyone know if this is a truth?
GZ had charges filed against him back when for assaulting an officer and ended up pleading down and for that being odered by the Court to attend anger management classes. Thereafter an ex-girlfriend got a restraining order against him. I just am absolutely stuck on this man getting a carry license....what???
Hello, Newbie! Great seeing you.
The gun/dog story is true. The officer may have said it matter of factly, as in an aside, but Zimmerman took it seriously and literally and got hisself a license to kill. Only... Trayvon was not a dog.
Florida is a different breed of state. It don't take much t'git a PERmit to carry a gun. As a matter of fact, I could take a gander over yonder at the nearest big box store and walk out packin'. A concealed carry permit is almost as simple, but you do have to take a competency test and if you pass, it will take at least 90 days to process. I will add a separate comment reflecting the acceptable training documentation.
Newbie ~~Zimmerman was told to get a gun instead of using pepper spray because a gun would be quicker in fending off an attacking dog. I believe Z had told the officer that he had purchased some of the pepper spray.
I cannot see anyone getting a concealed weapons permit if they have anger management issues.
Would that defense work though? The reports do not have GZ dna or blood on Trayvon's hands. I would think if he is banging his head on the ground there would be something on his hands. GZ brother and Father have both said TM covered GZ mouth with his hand, again no DNA left behind? In fact there is not blood on the sleeves or cuffs of his hoodie that belongs to GZ.
TM did not have GZ DNA under his finger nails. The blood on Trayvon's hands is his own. Something is not adding up. Newbie I think because the charges were reduced and he completed his anger management the charges were removed from his record. I do not understand how any violent crimes get reduced, but they only ask me to pay taxes not my opinion on how the justice system should run. ;/
Laura~~all the evidence has not been released.
I'm still poring over the information, but you've found some really good stuff, Snoopy. Thank you for that.
Dave~~you are very welcome, sir! This is one complicated case and the pros and cons seem to balance out and then the scales start to tip, depending on where the news comes from.
I got a kick out of listening to Angela Corey ( link upthread)... she had a warning for bloggers to stop trying the case and wait for all the evidence. As if we will listen to her. lol
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!
Acceptable Training Documentation
Florida law requires you to submit proof of competency with a firearm in order to qualify for a concealed weapon license. A copy of a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION or similar document from any of the following courses or classes is acceptable:
*any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a similar agency in another state;
*any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course;
*any firearm safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
*any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
*any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified instructor or by an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association.
The copy of the training certificate/document must be clear and legible. The certificate/document must include your name, your instructor’s name, your instructor’s qualifications/credentials (National Rifle Association instructor, law enforcement firearms instructor, Class “K” Firearm Instructor licensed by the State of Florida, etc.), and your instructor’s license/certification number.
Other acceptable forms of training documentation include the following:
*documentary evidence of experience with a firearm obtained through participation in organized shooting competition;
*active-duty military personnel may submit copies of any of the following documents that confirm your experience with a firearm gained during your service: military orders including call to active-duty letter; a statement of military service signed by, or at the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and provides your date of entry on your current active-duty period;
*former military personnel can submit a DD Form 214 reflecting honorable discharge from military service.
I understand all the evidence is not out, but since Trayvon only has 2 hands I thought they were done with the blood, nail scrapings and foreign dna from them. I just did not understand how he could be accused of beating someone to death if he had nothing on his hands. Good night.
The fact is there is no Trayvon Martin to tell the other side, therefore, I believe George Zimmerman will not be convicted of anything. He states that the reason he got out of his car was to find a house number to give to the officer or dispatch operator and when returning to his car Trayvon attacked him. Wow! This boy's life has been taken. From what I am reading, cops and witnesses substantiate GZ's story. These witnesses will carry a lot of weight especially if more than one tell it all the same and they are from different homes at that complex. I wonder if there is any tendency for their believing it was good that GZ got rid of one of those, " ---holes that always get away"!
I get what you are saying Laurali, if Trayvon was pounding away on GZ there should be some of GZ's blood and DNA on Trayvon's hands. I still am hung up on whether or not if one or both were standing or down when the shot was fired and am concentrating on why Trayvon was on his stomach with his hands under his body. Most important still is the FACT that this man had no business following the teenager in the first place, or assuming he was up to no good, but none of that will be even considered in the case. While GZ says he was fighting for his life, and had to stand his ground, Trayvon was fighting fear all the time until it built up to fight or die, unfortunately he had to accept both.
CherokeeNative, I would really like to read your comment if you have gotten into the documents released yesterday. Any new thoughts? New Puppy
Laura~~I left the following at my blog for Vicky...she is really keen when it comes to reading the docs. We will get an anwer for you one way or another...
Did you get a chance to read the autopsy report? Laura said there was no mention of Z’s blood on Trayvon’s hands. I cannot see where this would be possible, if T was slugging away at him, there would be dna. Did the medical examiner overlook this or did O’Mara have that part redacted?
Laura~ ~I don't ask Jeeves, I just ask Vicky...here ya go...
Yes, I read them. I am not surprised at the lack of blood or DNA on Trayvon’s hands. It was raining outside, and when Trayvon was found, he was laying face down with his hands under his body. If by chance there was blood on his hands, it may have wiped off on the wet grass.
Laura~~just a little more info for you that I gathered myself... Z's blood was found on the cuff of T's shirt..not sure if it was right or left sleeve but you can probably find out... there was alot of mixed DNA found on items that could be either Z's or T's....
Page 104...
ME-2 Fingernail scrapings represented as being from Trayvon Benjamin Martin
ME-2A Right hand
ME-2B Left hand
Page 106...
Exhibit ME-2A gave chemical indications for the presense of blood.
Exhibit ME-2A Right hand
No DNA results foreign to TBMartin (ME-3) were found on Exhibit ME-2A
Exhibit ME-2B Left hand
No DNA results were obtained from ME-2B
ME-8 stain A Trayvon's shirt..stains cuffs lower sleeves
(George Zimmerman's (JR-2) blood was found on ME-8) Check Page 107)
I'm wondering about the blood from RZ that was found on Trayvon's shirt cuff. Was it splashed there, or smeared there? It's hard to see how it got there when there was no blood on Trayvon's hands (unless there was blood on his hands that was washed off in the rain/wet grass).
From what I've read, the documents are not available directly to the public, but access can be purchased by news organizations. So anything that is available to us is there only because a news site chose to make it available. Clearly, they can be selective about what they publish.
I wonder why the law doesn't require the discovery to be made available to the public?
[I should be able to go to the clerk of court's office and procure those documents for a fee. That's the way it's been and was during the Anthony case. The information was not just available to the media, but at the same time, the media have nothing to hide. Their objective is to make public whatever they find, with their own twist, of course.]
Trayvon's girlfriend-Audio
Zimmerman's Father-Audio
Witness Female #1-Audio
Witness Female #3-Audio
Witness Male #6-Interview 1-Audio
Witness Male #6-Interview 2-Audio
Witness Male #13-called Zimmerman's wife-Audio
Witness Male #14-Audio
Interview (2 females) #16-Audio
Interview Female #17-Audio
Interview Female #17-Audio
Interview Female #18-Audio
Interview Female with dog #19-Audio
Witness Male #20-Audio
Witness Homeowner Male #21-Audio