Zimmerman acquitted of Trayvon Martin murder
It would be nice to think you could blame it solely on the state of Florida or the American "Justice" System, but institutionalized racism and white privilege are extremely complex issues. It is disgusting and deeply saddening that Zimmerman was set free despite murdering a black teenager, but it is not a surprise. The deck was stacked against Trayvon Martin the moment he encountered Zimmerman and that carried all the way into the courtroom. Shit sucks.
Former neighbourhood watch leader George Zimmerman has been found not guilty of the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by an all-female jury in Sanford, Florida.
The jury, which deliberated the case for two days, also cleared Zimmerman of man slaughter charges after asking for clarification on the details of the charge.
"Mr Zimmerman, I have signed the judgement that confirms the jury's verdict. Your bond will be released. Your GPS monitor will be cut off when you exit the courtroom over here. And you have no further business with the court," Judge Deborah Nelson said shortly after the decision was read on Saturday.
Zimmerman smiled briefly but did not appear emotional as the verdict was read. His family was grinning broadly as they sat behind him in the courtroom.
It would be nice to think you could blame it solely on the state of Florida or the American "Justice" System, but institutionalized racism and white privilege are extremely complex issues. It is disgusting and deeply saddening that Zimmerman was set free despite murdering a black teenager, but it is not a surprise. The deck was stacked against Trayvon Martin the moment he encountered Zimmerman and that carried all the way into the courtroom. Shit sucks.