I can't imagine this kid presented a real threat. Even if he rushed Zimmerman, Zimmerman could have shot him somewhere besides the chest. From all reports it sounds like Zimmerman was a trigger happy hot head.
I firmly believe in the castle doctrine law, but it should not apply in this case. Zimmerman initiated the contact with the teen. Too often police, security guards and wannabe versions of both assume a person is up to no good because of looks, color, or any bias they choose. These people should be held to a higher standard.
If the facts turn out to be as they look now then Zimmerman should get the death penalty to set an example. If you use deadly force and it is not warranted you will pay the price.
In terms of ethics and serious journalism, placing the "funny Napoleon hat" on Governor Walker is demeaning, sophomoric and not worthy of anyone who purports to be a serious journalistic organization. It is fine to not support his views, but the petty, cheap photo distortion is a denigration of journalism.
Look at this ALEC-like law. "A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked ..."
Is there a plausible story where the shooter can persuade a jury that he was being attacked? This seems to be the lynchpin of the castle doctrine. If he yelled at the boy to identify himself and Trayvon fled in fear (and was he shot in the back?) then this circumstance would NOT satisfy the law.
Of course, the shooter is going to try to fabricate a story of attack, but assuming that Trayvon has no record of violence and is otherwise known as a model student, then that story probably wouldn't stand up under scrutiny.
Don't give up yet on justice being done, though it won't bring Trayvon back.
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