Did a law enacted by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush lead to the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin?
Martin is the young high school junior who was shot and killed on Feb. 26th at the hands of a neighborhood watch captain.
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It would seem likely, as the racially charged shooting has cast a spotlight on Florida’s so-called “Stand Your Ground” law, which was passed under then-Governor Jeb Bush in 2005 and allows the use of guns or other deadly force as a means of self-defense in public places without first trying to back off from a confrontation.
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Trayvon was shot and killed by George Zimmerman as he was walking through a gated neighborhood while visiting family in Sanford, FL, which is about 20 miles north of Orlando.
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Zimmerman claimed he shot Trayvon in self-defense and police in the Sanford neighborhood have not yet charged the watch captain.
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The recent release of the 911 tapes tell a different story, as witnesses have come forward saying they heard Trayvon yelling for help, which would disprove Zimmerman’s claim of self-defense.
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Since the shooting death of Trayvon, calls for justice in Sanford have spread across Central Florida and the country.
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Trayvon’s parents, along with their attorneys, have called for an F.B.I investigation in the shooting death of their son.
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Chris Allen, an FBI spokesman in Washington said that the FBI is, “aware of the incident. We have been in contact with local authorities and are monitoring the matter.”
As for the community, hundreds marched through the streets of Titusville on Sunday, demanding justice for Trayvon.
Michelle McKinney was one of many who attended the march on Sunday. She said, “It’s not a black and white issue. The issue is that Zimmerman didn’t listen.”
More rallies are planned this week, including one on Monday morning in Sanford where Florida college students will gather in front of the Seminole County Justice Center and demand the arrest of Zimmerman.
Monday’s rally was organized by Florida members of the Black Law Students Association students from Florida State University, Florida A&M University and the University of Central Florida are expected to attend.
The association said in a prepared statement:
“Public safety is at risk when citizens like Zimmerman are permitted to take the law into their own hands without being arrested or sufficiently questioned on record.”
As for today, State Attorney’s prosecutors will review the case and decide whether to file criminal charges against Zimmerman.
Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett has met with local leaders, and has promised to do everything he personally can do to make sure the case of Trayvon Martin is handled fairly.
The fight for justice in the Trayvon Martin case continues … stay tuned.
