Jurors deliberating the fate of George Zimmerman for the murder of the unarmed black 17-year-old Trayvon Martin returned a verdict of not guilty on Saturday night after weeks of listening and watching testimony in a Sanford, Florida courtroom. The jury of 6 women – five white and one black – were sequestered and hidden from the public as a safety measure during the trial that has sparked a national outcry from both sides of the issue of race and guns. Their deliberation for 16 hours ended with a verdict at 10 p.m. Supporters of Martin argued that he was targeted and murdered because of his race, while supporters of Zimmerman argued that he acted in self-defense.
After the verdict was read, Jesse Jackson issued a statement on Twitter: “Avoid violence, it will lead to more tragedies. Find a way for self construction not deconstruction in this time of despair.”
Crowds of Martin supporters stood outside the Florida courtroom, as Zimmerman was released to his family inside. Martin’s parents were not in the courtroom when the verdict was read. If convicted Zimmerman could have received up to 30 years. Prosecuting attorney Bernie de la Rionda made a statement regarding the verdict: “We respect the jury’s verdict, but it boils down to a kid minding his own business being followed by a stranger.”
Zimmerman’s defense attorney, Mark O’Mara said, “George Zimmerman was never guilty of anything except protecting himself in self-defense, and I’m glad the jury saw it that way…”
Zimmerman’s second defense attorney, Don West exclaimed, “I think the prosecution of George Zimmerman was disgraceful… I’m happy this jury kept this tragedy from becoming a travesty.” West later quipped, “I still think the joke was funny,” referring to the knock knock joke during the beginning of jury selection that did not get a positive response from jurors.
The NAACP has asked the Justice Department to investigate whether Martin’s civil rights were violated.
