George Zimmerman's team had a clear theory of what happened February 26th. If you suspend your common sense, it was reasonably consistent with the physical evidence and witness testimony.
Unfortunately, it was the only clear theory of the night offered to the jury. The State raised some doubts but they never offered their own version of what happened. And they left many unanswered questions. Since Trayvon had not a mark on him, why would he have screamed for help?
Unlike the prosecutors, I think the evidence paints a very clear picture. Please read on and you'll see that picture.
Trayvon Martin thought he had lost the creepy stranger who had been following him. But he looked back and there was George on the path behind him.
Witnesses reported hearing loud voices, an argument.
"Why are you following me??!!" Trayvon yells at George.
"What do you mean?" says George as he approaches closer.
"Why are you following me???!!" Trayvon repeats, adrenaline running.
"What are you doing here?" George demands, emboldened by the knowledge of the gun on his hip.
Witnesses saw a standing skirmish, then two figures wrestling on the ground.
George puts his hand on Trayvon's shoulder. Trayvon shoves him away. George doesn't want to let this suspect escape, so he pulls his gun.
Trayvon doesn't know who this creep is or what he intends, but he knows he can't outrun a bullet, so he tackles George, and the two wrestle on the ground.
George has abrasions to his head consistent with impact on concrete. Trayvon does not.
George grasps the gun firmly in two hands, so his head in unprotected as they roll across the sidewalk and onto the grass. Trayvon's head is protected by his hoodie.
John Good sees Trayvon on top of George, and sees a repeated downward motion of Trayvon's arms.
Trayvon manages to straddle George and is trying desperately to keep George from pointing the gun at his chest. He screams in fear each time George manages to get the gun up from the ground. Someone's door slams with a bang, and Trayvon screams, thinking for a moment that a shot was fired. Even George yells for help, as he'd like assistance getting this perp under control.
Trayvon has no bruises or scratches from a fight. George has a bloody nose. The blood is not smeared, has not run sideways or any direction but down his face.
George is not throwing any punches, he is not kicking or scratching or defending himself from any "punches." His two hands are on the that gun, and he finally manages to raise it and he fires. The gun hits him in the nose with the recoil.
He lets Trayvon slump to the ground, he kneels, then stands. Well, at least this one didn't get away.
He puts his hand to his head. OK, I had to do it, right? This guy woulda killed me if he could have. I had to defend myself. I had to defend myself. The cops will understand.