March 25th, 2012
06:21 AM ET

Lawyer: Federal hate crime charge against Trayvon shooter a 'challenge'

Bringing a federal hate crime charge against a neighborhood watch volunteer who fatally shot Trayvon Martin will be "a challenge, to put it lightly," the victim's lawyer said.

Daryl Parks, an attorney for the Martin family, told board members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) on Saturday that prosecution on the state level stands a better chance.

"Most state laws tend to be better for the prosecution of state crimes. And that's why we see the federal authorities expressing, although gently, in their statements that they can only do so much if there's some type of race statements involved. The state officials don't have that problem," Parks said.

"I think the focus is not necessarily a federal arrest over a state arrest. We want an arrest, period. And I think that the state aspect of that is the one that's most feasible, most attainable in this matter."

Meanwhile, worshipers in cities across the country will wear hoodies to church Sunday in honor Martin, who was wearing a hoodie when he was killed.

FULL STORY
Post by:
Filed under: Crime • Hate crime • Justice • Trayvon Martin • U.S.
soundoff (65 Responses)
  1. High Hopes

    The cops dropped the ball and there are going to be some heads rolling in Sanford, Florida... and for good reason.

    Bless the Martin Family,
    Nite...

    March 25, 2012 at 10:16 pm | Report abuse |
  2. High Hopes

    Hi, Greek!

    I was raised to respect the law and I do. But
    over the years, I've become skeptical of those
    who enforce it. Its become a racket... a way to
    raise money. Its not about justice anymore. Its
    about who you know and how much money
    you have. And the police? They are as corrupt
    as the criminals.

    Take care, Hope

    March 25, 2012 at 10:42 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Jeff Frank (R-Ohio) "Right Wing Insanity"

    @Greek American
    You know your right. Without mentioning any names, I have seen first hand where there are other areas of crime where the law thinks that putting up a scarecrow of sorts in a heavily "worded" sign is going to be a good deterrent. We got guns all up and down our street, and there are still home invasions from time to time.
    I recall a time when a hispanic banged on our windows at 4 a.m., head all bleeding and that. When I called the sheriff he asked me if I was armed. I told him I had a gun, but I didn't need it. I told them to send a squad and an ambulance. Turns out the guy was rolled over and dumped down the street, then found me. But still you do not invite him in to your home while waiting, but you do help him.

    March 25, 2012 at 10:52 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Greek American

    @hopes
    Yes I understand what you're saying. My city has always been ranked one of the safest but it seems that especially now, in financial need, they screw over the residents even more.
    @jeff
    I repsect what you do for your community and wish you and your family to be safe always and healthy.

    March 25, 2012 at 11:21 pm | Report abuse |
  5. leeintulsa

    there was a turning point in police/citizen relations.

    several, probably.

    there was a time, even in big cities, when people were happy to see an officer. cops walked a beat, got to know the people. smiles all around.

    then prohibition happened. cops started spying on people, breaking into people's homes, arresting people for passtimes enjoyed by friends and neighbors of the accused.

    cops made it cops vs citizens. now citizens don't trust cops, and cops see everyone as a potential investigation. they (i hate that word, and i'm sure there are cops who see it like i do) don't see us as someone to be protected. except from ourselves.

    i dare say we need no government telling us how to live in our own homes. they've overstepped their bounds, and i don't see a way back.

    even if they ended the war on drugs and shut down the patriot act, among other things, it would be generations before the trust returned, if ever..

    March 25, 2012 at 11:43 pm | Report abuse |
  6. raven

    I'm so sick of this "stand your ground"law being used as ZIMMERMAN's defense. What about Martin's right to "stand his ground" against a man who stalked, interrogated, attacked and finally shot him?? Zimmerman was the instigator and aggressor. The boy was clearly minding his own business, and I imagine he was fearful and felt he was fighting for his life.Turns out, he was.

    March 25, 2012 at 11:48 pm | Report abuse |
  7. N Tyler

    That man know he was for shooting that child for no reason .The police should behind and the lawyer to.Am from La they have a law state if anyone come on your premiss you have the right to shot only if you in danger.Stand your ground my ass take ass him to the chair case close.

    March 26, 2012 at 11:26 pm | Report abuse |
1 2 3 4
« Back to main