Happy birthday Trayvon Martin

[ajcorleone]

Just read this an attached it to the old post here.


Trayvon Martin's parents have settled a wrongful death claim for an amount believed to be more than $1 million against a Florida homeowners association where their teen son was killed, Fox News confirms.
Trayvon was shot and killed by Neighborhood Watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fla., on Feb. 26, 2012.
Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder, but he says he fired in self defense after the 17-year-old attacked him.
In paperwork made public, both parties specified that they would keep the settlement amount confidential, The Orlando Sentinel reported.
“It is understood and agreed that the payment made herein is not to be construed as an admission of any liability by or on behalf of the releasing parties; but instead the monies being paid hereunder is consideration for avoiding litigation, the uncertainties stemming from litigation as well as to protect and secure the good name and good will of the released parties,” the settlement said.
Benjamin Crump, the Martins' attorney, had “no comment on that subject," he told The Orlando Sentinel.
The document released from the settlement has eliminated the specific amount of the settlement, as well as the names of the parties and people making payment.
The homeowners association president did not return the newspaper’s calls seeking comment on the amount.
Zimmerman’s attorney Mark O’Mara said the teen’s parents tried to settle through mediation and the association had offered $1 million, but they had reportedly rejected this amount, OrlandoSentinel.com reported.
A hearing in which Zimmerman will argue he was acting in self-defense is scheduled for April. The judge has said that hearing will be at least 45 days before the trial. The settlement will not affect the criminal case.

[mrveggieman]

No amount of money will compensate a parent of a murdered child.

[Wickabee]

So this guy hasn't been found guilty in criminal court, but he settled in civil court for a large amount...

I wonder how all the people who are convinced he's innocent but think similar behaviour is proof of OJ Simpson's and Michael Jackson's guilt feel about this...

[gladdyontherise]

I just want to clarify, so this isn't going to trial?

[mrveggieman]

I just want to clarify, so this isn't going to trial?

The civil case is settled. There will still be a criminal case, that scumbag zimmerman will be found guilty and he will be get a taste of jailhouse justice. They don't take too kindly to child killers in the slammer.

[ajcorleone]

It is odd the civil case was settled first.Not common practice.

[Wickabee]

The civil case is settled. There will still be a criminal case, that scumbag zimmerman will be found guilty and he will be get a taste of jailhouse justice. They don't take too kindly to child killers in the slammer.

Just thinking of basic case outlines, I actually see a really good chance of him being found not guilty.
Ultimately though, this guy does seem to be a coward and will likely plead down to a lesser charge than he faces in trial.

[mrveggieman]

Just thinking of basic case outlines, I actually see a really good chance of him being found not guilty. The way our screwed up justice system is it wont be a first time that a cold blooded killer got a way with murder.
Ultimately though, this guy does seem to be a coward and will likely plead down to a lesser charge than he faces in trial. I sure hope so. I just want him to go to jail. Justice will be served once he gets sent upstate.

responses in bold.

[duane1969]

So this guy hasn't been found guilty in criminal court, but he settled in civil court for a large amount...

I wonder how all the people who are convinced he's innocent but think similar behaviour is proof of OJ Simpson's and Michael Jackson's guilt feel about this...

I just want to clarify, so this isn't going to trial?

It is odd the civil case was settled first.Not common practice.

You guys have this all screwed up. Zimmerman did not settle a civil case. The homeowners association where he was part of the community watch group settled. Martin's family sued someone that had nothing to do with the shooting. But of course, it's not about money at all is it?

[habsheaven]

It is odd the civil case was settled first.Not common practice.

Not really. This is only one of several civil cases that will probably be filed. There will no doubt be a case filed against Zimmerman when he is found not guilty.