Dovahkiin wrote:Before I go any further I just want to stop everyone say that SYG(Stand Your Ground) does not apply to this case. Even without SYG, Zimmerman would have been justified. Further, SYG is not a law. Rather it is a doctrine the law is based upon.
Fair enough, my comments are based off what ive read in regards to the case in Zimmermans defence and SYG is consistently referred to as the law being cited. I obviously defer to anyone who actually knows the fundamentals of it, because i don't
As for the reasons behind my belief the initial investigation was questionable (not a "joke"), i have a few which i have read through various american media outlets. It's my opinion based on these things, that the case wasn't handled well and a certain amount of ineptitude was displayed.
- The initial lead investigator recommended a manslaughter charge, stating he remained unconvinced of Zimmermans version of events. His senior disregarded this due to a lack of evidence. Further down the line, the man who turned down the initial recommendation of a manslaughter charge then stepped down from the case, citing an undisclosed conflict of interest in the case and refusing to disclose any reasons.
- Media outlets reported that At the scene, a witness made a statement detailing they heard Trayvon calling out for help, the witness was
corrected by the interviewing officer, telling them it was zimmerman they heard. A further 2 witnesses attempted to report the yells of what they referred to as of a distressed young man, no officer came to interview them at any point.
- On the same day the Sanford PD investigation concluded, they requested charges against Zimmerman and filed them to the state attorney, while the police chief of the department declared publicly they had no cause to charge.
- Trayvon was drug and alcohol tested, Zimmerman, was not. Several sources have cited that Trayvon being tested was routine, but the fact the shooter was not is highly unusual in homicide cases, as was the fact that Zimmerman who has a police record, had no checks ran on him. He simply stated he had no record, and this was taken as fact at the scene.
- Trayvons body was identified and a partial report filed using his full name and DOB, yet it's reported he was John doe'd and no family notified until the missing persons report on 27th feb. As for the phone call, the phone records don't lie Trayvon was on the phone to his GF moments prior to the incident, i agree it's strange that if the convo went the same way she states it did the delay between the missing persons report and that conversation doesn't make sense, however that doesn't negate the fact the police had the info available to do their job and inform the family of his death.
- Police reports from the night were allegedly amended at a later date to include the grass stains and head/facial injuries Zimmerman suffered as they hadn't been included initially through clerical error.
Now, i have no stance on the guilt of Zimmerman, i just feel if these things are true the police have done themselves no favours, and the errors could impede justice being brought either way.