07-11-2013, 03:47 PM
Unfortunately, the state (in their closing argument) states the reason for this trial IS racially based.
"We are here because the defendant thought this teenager was a criminal!"
In other words: Colored boy, hoodie, "sneaking" around = racially profiled criminal.
It's unfortunate that the state didn't take the high road and say something to effect of:
"A young man is dead because this defendant shot him to death. This young man had no weapon. This young man was committing no crime. This young man was trying to get home and the defendant shot him dead!
The defendant claims he was justified in killing this unarmed, young man due to Florida's self defense laws.
In your heart of hearts, do you really believe the intent and spirit of the law encourages and allows an armed assailant to approach an unarmed teenager, provoke a confrontation and then shoot him dead because suddenly he claims he was fearful of losing life or limb?"
On second thought . . . fuck that!
Make it a profiling case and stir emotional racially charged outrage.
"We are here because the defendant thought this teenager was a criminal!"
In other words: Colored boy, hoodie, "sneaking" around = racially profiled criminal.
It's unfortunate that the state didn't take the high road and say something to effect of:
"A young man is dead because this defendant shot him to death. This young man had no weapon. This young man was committing no crime. This young man was trying to get home and the defendant shot him dead!
The defendant claims he was justified in killing this unarmed, young man due to Florida's self defense laws.
In your heart of hearts, do you really believe the intent and spirit of the law encourages and allows an armed assailant to approach an unarmed teenager, provoke a confrontation and then shoot him dead because suddenly he claims he was fearful of losing life or limb?"
On second thought . . . fuck that!
Make it a profiling case and stir emotional racially charged outrage.