I have been a juror so I understand how you have to apply the law to the crime and it's tough. I spent some time the past couple days watching the youtube testimonies from witnesses, analyzed some key facts, reports and the evidence presented. In my opinion Zimmerman is guilty of manslaughter which by definition is "intentionally committed an act that caused the death"
I believe his comments on "these punks.. get away" proved he was indeed racial profiling. I believe John Good's testimony that Martin may have been on top of him, however I have been in fights and just because you're on top doesn't mean you have total advantage especially when the other person has a gun on him.
When he was searching for Trayvon, he must have had one hand ready to draw his gun. What's the point in carrying a gun if you're not ready to use it? When Zimmerman said he reached into his pocket to get his cell phone, I am almost positive he reached for his gun. How is a cell phone going to help you at that point? GZ probably got surprised by Trayvon, reached for his gun, the fight started and both struggled for the gun. I mean just think, if someone confronts you, you see him reaching for his gun, what are you going to do? Run away and get shot in the back or fight back and try to grab the gun from him?
but those arent the only options.
when i get pulled over by a cop, i roll down my window before the cop walks up and have both of my hands on the steering wheel. then when he/she asks for my id/registration i say "its in my pocket/glovebox, im going to reach for them now" and i proceed to slowly do so.
the point is i dont want to give any one with a gun, cop or not, a reason to think that i might be a threat to them. i dont know what they are thinking or what their previous experiences are and dont want to give them ANY reason to reach for a gun. ESPECIALLY if i havent done anything wrong.
Trayvon had another choice. he could have put his hands up, said i am unarmed and dont want any trouble AS SOON as he realized that Zimmerman had a gun.