In Closing, Zimmerman Prosecutor Focuses on Inconsistencies

Okay, but isn't that what the defense normally does — point out inconsistencies in the prosecutor's story to try to raise the possibility that the prosecution hasn't proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt? Isn't this whole trial taking place in Mirror Land?

SANFORD, Fla. — In a murder case of chain reactions, the chief prosecutor, Bernie de la Rionda, began with the very first link when he delivered his closing statement on Thursday in the George Zimmerman trial.

Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager carrying nothing but snacks, died of a gunshot to the heart for one reason, he said: Mr. Zimmerman saw himself as a cop and Mr. Martin as a hoodie-clad criminal. 

"For one reason"?

“He went over the line,” Mr. de la Rionda told the jury. “He assumed things that weren’t true and, instead of waiting for the police to come and do their job, he did not. He, the defendant, wanted to make sure that Trayvon Martin didn’t get out of the neighborhood.” 

“In this defendant’s mind he automatically assumed that Trayvon Martin was a criminal,” Mr. de la Rionda added. “And that’s why we’re here.”

Profiling!

Fortunately, in his retirement, Michael Bloomberg probably won't end up in a condo complex in Nowheresville, Florida, so he's safe.

Mr. Zimmerman, 29, a neighborhood watch volunteer who said he shot Mr. Martin in self-defense, is charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26, 2012, death of Mr. Martin, who was 17. If convicted, he could face life in prison. On Thursday, the judge, Debra S. Nelson, said the jury would also be able to consider manslaughter as a lesser charge. This charge is typically included in Florida murder cases if either side requests it. Manslaughter with a firearm carries a sentence of up to 30 years in prison.

The judge should order a directed verdict of not guilty on the absurd Murder 2 charge, which would make it harder for the jury to decide to just split the difference and go with the manslaughter charge as a compromise that would bring them the least criticism.