| nitekrawler1285 said: Zimmerman started the altercation by stalking him. A frightened or violent response would be a normal thing in that context. He also decided to ignore the advice from the authority figures he called when he dialed 911. I really wish people whom disobeyed the law and authorities weren't allowed to carry guns. As the legal aged adult I feel that he did far enough even before the last part of the altercation that blame should land squarely on his shoulders. |
Zimmerman didn't disobey the law, he wasn't required to follow the advice of the dispatcher (and he didn't call 911, he called a non-emergency line).
Simply stalking shouldn't be deserving of getting beaten, especially if there wasn't a percieved threat of injury. Trayvon didn't seem to think there was a big threat, since he didn't run away (which he easily could have), or called 911 (which he easily could have), but instead the testemonies in court suggest that Trayvon actually initiated the confronting talk between both of them (supported by both Zimmerman and Trayvon's friend):
- Zimmerman said that he had lost sight of Trayvon, but then Trayvon jumped out of a bush/tree and started talking to him.
- Trayvon's friend said that she heard on the phone the sound of wet grass (possibly Trayvon ducking and sliding/hitting grass/bushes?) and Trayvon whispering "get off", "get off" (perhaps to tell her to get off the phone call?), and finally hearing Trayvon confront Zimmerman with a question (I don't remember what it was, but I think it was "what are you doing?" or something along the lines)
Then we have a strong witness which claims that Trayvon was on top of Zimmerman, and that Trayvon was pummeling Zimmerman with punches, and not letting Zimmerman get away. All while hearing Zimmerman scream "help".
EDIT: The "help" screamed no one knows who actually said it, though. So disregard this bit.
