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Overheard on CNN.com: Trayvon Martin case 'no-win situation' for all parties?
Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.
Some new details emerged from the hearing during which a Florida judge set a $150,000 bond for George Zimmerman. Readers have been assessing the information, and they're telling us they aren't quite sure what to make of the Trayvon Martin case. Since some of the most critical information in the case has not been released publicly, it's difficult to make a judgment. Many of our commenters felt that both Zimmerman and Martin's stories are sad.
More details about Zimmerman emerge during bond hearing
This was the most-liked comment:
W0ofie:
"1. Overzealous. 2. Rash. 3. Naive. 4. Foolish.Four words that describe Zimmerman. This case doesn't meet the standard for murder, it probably meets the standard for manslaughter. I do not believe Zimmerman intended on shooting anyone, I do beleive that his actions were sufficient for Trayvon Martin to feel threatened. Very sad, Zimmerman thought Trayvon was a criminal, Martin thought Zimmerman intended him harm. One is dead and one has ruined his life. Should have just let the cops handle it. Thanks to the NRA pushing laws that Law Enforcement Officers have repeatedly opposed because of this exact reason we now have one life ended and one life ruined. I can empathize with both, I am sure that will (anger) a few of you."
The replies were along similar lines, with this reader saying no one wins from the situation.
userjoe9066: "Very well worded, pretty much matches up with what I feel right now, it's just a no win situation even if they public gets what they want and Zimmerman gets hung or whatever happens to him it won't bring back Trayvon, there really is no winner in this situation. Hope it works out somehow though. I empathize with both sides."
This person said they fear "Stand Your Ground" laws, but don't know what to make of the case.
KellyinMN: "I can't say whether second degree murder or manslaughter is more appropriate, since I don't have access to all the evidence, just as you don't. With that said, I agree that I can sympathize with both (I can't empathize since I've never been shot or shot someone). It's a very sad situation which likely could have been prevented had the NRA not been allowed to push their dangerous laws. They tried passing a "Stand Your Ground" law similar to Florida's in Minnesota, but our law makers took law enforcements concerns and chose to only allow for the SYG type force in your home, car, RV, and tent (camping). I applaud their restraint and am proud they didn't bow to the NRA like so many other states have."
What information makes the difference in this case?
wodley: "We cannot pass judgment now whether it's manslaughter or not before knowing all the facts. The important thing is to prove forensically whether Zimmerman shot Martin while his head was being slammed on the concrete or whether he shot him from a distance. If it's the first, then it's self-defense. If it's the second, then it's second-degree murder."
This reader said they feel a second-degree murder charge is too much.
caliconor: "I agree with the original poster. I think Zimmerman was foolish, but he wasn't out to kill anyone. He was out doing a service for the community and was attacked. It sucks that someone died, but this was one of these circumstances where everything went wrong and it did. He's guilty of manslaughter, not murder. Wrongful dead lawsuit? More than likely. But 2nd degree murder? That's pretty ridiculous."
This is only a portion of the conversation that took place. What do you think? Share your opinion in the comments area below and in the latest stories on CNN.com. Or sound off on video via CNN iReport.
Compiled by the CNN.com moderation staff. Some comments edited for length or clarity.
On Twitter
Take a deep breath and be patient. This trial is going to be a long one. Yesterday I saw a photo of Zimmerman's head and there was blood?! The simple fact, for me, is that this would have never happened if Zimmerman had followed the "lawfull order" given him by 911, to NOT follow Martin. By HIS ACTIONS alone he "created" this deadly event.
There was NO order NOT to follow him. Why do people hear what they want to hear. The recording was very clear and the officer stated "you don't have to do that" meanng it is not Zimmerman's responsibility to know where he was when the officers got there. You fail to note that he had stopped following and was on his way back to his car.
The exact quote Tooter was, " We don't need you to do that. Okay ?" An indication that he was to stop following the young man.
The sad thing here is that Trayvon was not taught to respect an adult in authority. All he would have had to do is tell Zimmerman why he was in the neighborhood that he did not live there but was staying with a friend. I think he just over reacted when he saw that Zimmerman was a white and trying to tell him what to do. I taught my sons to always respect an adult in authority regardless the situation and to walk away from the scene as soon as possible.
Just exactly what authority do you feel Zimmerman had ? He was a neighborhood watch person. The sole purpose of neighborhood watch is to, Detect and Report, not Follow and Confront. By choosing the latter, he started the chain of events that resulted in the death of this young man. If you need confirmation of the role of neighborhood watch, contact your local police.
TOOTER
respect is a thing of the past.it all starts in the home need i say any more.
Mary, as a so called woman of faith, one would think you would be less judgmental and not at all racist.
Trayvon Martin was a violent criminal. Base on information in public domain. George Zimmerman acted in self-defense.
Based on information in the public domain, so was George Zimmerman.
Zimmerman assaulted policemen. Guilty.
@ dazzle,
I don't think that was Mary at all.
Oh...not dazzle either.
Who's Who?
If zimmerman was on his back getting beat down and calling for help for 45 seconds and Trayvon continued the beat down that sounds like self defence no matter who initiated at.... remember the Rodney King case? ( I feel it was police brutality on that one)
If on the other hand it was Trayvon yelling for help for 45 seconds and then he was shot, then the second degree murder charge would be warranted.
So when a blackman gets a chance at standing his ground in florida, will he get off the hook if its a whiteman?? Because GZ will be let off the hook
Zzzzzzzzz lets hope that all people that are truely innocent are let off the hook no matter what the color of their skin
ZZZZZZZZZZ
the laws the law.first no record for possesionof a firearm.so a boatload of people fail; but criminals could care less they carry anyway
Hi @Joey, not it is the real me. Who knows if it is the real Mary. I hardly ever meet up with you on here.
that should read no and not not.
That is neither Mary of dazzle ©.
Mary, who are you to judge me. What are you jealous because I've offered advice to your main man? You have nothing to worry about on that front.
r-r-reow-reow...
I don't pretend for a minute to know what the actual facts are in this case.
yes she does make typos and mistakes but at least owns up to it.
@ Joey, no it isn't. Probably is the typical troll that changes names whenever it suits them or when they feel threatened.
Taking a hike is exactly what I'm going to do. Try it, it will keep you in shape and is good for the head...