Community Corner

George Zimmerman Trial: What Would Your Verdict Be in the Case of the Shooting Death of Trayvon Martin?

By Patch Editor Jon Gargis

George Zimmerman could be found guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter, or could receive a not guilty verdict. What are your thoughts on this case?

The Florida murder trial that has had many across the nation watching could soon come to an end.

George Zimmerman faces a second-degree murder charge over the fatal shooting of unarmed black teen Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman’s defense team claimed their defendant shot Martin in self-defense.

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The case is now in the hands in the jury of six women, who have the choice of handing down one of three verdicts—guilty of second-degree murder, guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter, or not guilty.

If you were on the jury, what verdict would you vote for? What do you think the jury in the case will decide? Tell us in the comments.


Metro Atlanta residents are among those who have watched the case even before Zimmerman was arrested in connection with Martin’s death. Members of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlantawere among those last spring who wore hooded jackets to church in support of Martin, who wore a hoodie the night of his death.

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In recent days, officials with several metro-area law enforcement squads have warned their officers to be vigilant once a verdict in the Zimmerman case is handed down.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Atlanta Police Department discussed a contingency plan in relation to fallout from a decision in the trial, while a private security firm for the World Congress Center sought part-time workers ready to come to the center should the area need additional security once a verdict comes.

The newspaper added that Atlanta was one of several U.S. cities that experienced riots after the 1992 acquittal of three Los Angeles police officers in the Rodney King case. More than 300 were arrested in connection to those riots. 


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