07-03-2013, 01:14 PM
(07-03-2013, 09:51 AM)Duchess Wrote:
WTF. I heard the defense attorneys an hour ago having a big problem with George's credit history being discussed in court, I swear I did and I feel certain that the judge agreed to keep that particular page out of court but just now it was the defense who brought it up with a witness.
You're right. The judge did prohibit the prosecution, at the hearing this morning, from citing George's bad credit history, based on O'Mara's objection. During trial, O'Mara then cited it himself during cross examination of the witness who testified as to the police rejection letter.
At that point, I think O'Mara figured it would be better that the jury know Zimmerman's credit was the basis for his police application being rejected, rather than leave them to speculate that it was based on something related to character or background. It was sneaky and smart for O'Mara to object to it and then use it himself. All JMO.
(07-03-2013, 11:17 AM)Midwest Spy Wrote: I don't think he ever thought his pursuit would lead to a physical confrontation.
This is where I now disagree with your "George was simply a concerned citizen watching out for his neighborhood" scenario.
I share your opinion that George wasn't out hunting black boys that night. I don't think the prosecution is suggesting that scenario either.
We know from George's own words to the NE911 operator, and from the Neighborhood Watch Police Liaison's testimony, that George followed Trayvon; he disregarded the very clear and repeated instructions given to Neighborhood Watch participants against doing so. That fact is now undisputed.
Whether or not he continued to follow after being advised not to do so by the NE911 operator that night is still unproven. George says he was just looking for a street sign. Detective Serino found that suspicious; me too. There were only 3 streets in the neighborhood. George had lived there for years and patrolled there for months.
I now believe that George is lying about continuing "going in the same direction as Trayvon" in order to find a street sign. I believe he continued to follow Trayvon and was determined to detain him or catch him in the act of a crime. He wasn't going to leave it up to the cops, as he'd been instructed to do. He wasn't going to let another "asshole get away". This is my opinion based on his 911 call that night, his statements in his previous 911 calls, and his knowledge of the neighborhood.
Zimmerman made bad choices. I think he was indeed creepy because he had convinced himself in his frustrated mind that he was pursuing a "suspect".
Did he do anything illegal to provoke the altercation? I still don't have a firm opinion as to whether he made physical contact with Trayvon in attempt to detain him, or whether Trayvon punched him first out of frustration or fear. Nothing presented at trial so far has convinced me either way, I still have reasonable doubt as to who was the initial aggressor.
However, I now lean towards George making physical contact first. George grossly exaggerated the beating he took at the hands of Trayvon Martin, imo, based on the Chief ME's testimony regarding his injuries. There's no evidence he attempted to fight back before shooting. His credibility overall is now in serious question, to me. At this point, I have reasonable doubt that Zimmerman made every reasonable effort to escape the situation and was in reasonable fear for his life when he pulled the trigger, regardless of who was the initial physical aggressor.