Originally Posted By: Stupid Doog
seriously though, whether he was "forced" to shoot to save his life or not, one thing is known for sure: Zimmerman hunted down martin.


Based on what evidence? You can only say he "hunted" him if he had murder in mind all along.

According to Zimmerman, he was observing. And by all accounts, that's exactly what he was doing until he was attacked.

The fact that Zimmerman followed was definitely what set Martin off, but that doesn't mean it should be the deciding factor in a manslaughter case. To my understanding, following someone doesn't equate to negligent homicide especially since, again, he didn't instigate a fight.

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this would never have happened if he'd backed off like the operator said.


Indeed. But assuming the eye witness and Zimmerman's account is correct, one could also argue that if Martin hadn't instigated the fight no one would have died.