Zimmerman Stuns Court, Waives Right to 'Stand Your Ground' Hearing in Trayvon Martin Case

[Tommy_Carcetti]

64. Different degrees of murder.

I don't think first degree (pre-meditated) murder is at play here. I don't know of any evidence showing Zimmerman exited his vehicle with the express intention of killing Trayvon.

However, second degree murder is a different story. That can be proven by showing that Zimmerman acted with a callous disregard for human life. If it can be shown that Zimmerman chased down Trayvon with the intention of getting into a confrontation with him that ultimately resulted in him shooting Trayvon, second degree murder should be on the table. The one thing that sticks out in my mind is Zimmerman's remark to the dispatcher, "These assholes, they always get away." It shows a vigalante motive for Zimmerman, IMHO.

Manslaughter would be shown if Zimmerman acted recklessly or if his belief of need for deadly force was not reasonable. If evidence shows that Zimmerman was the aggressor in the physical confrontation, manslaughter would be on the table. If the force that Trayvon used on Zimmerman was disproportionate and not life threatening, then manslaughter would be on the table.

Frankly, I think there is evidence to support 2nd degree murder. However, if the ultimate verdict is manslaughter and Zimmerman gets at least 10 years, I'd feel more or less be comfortable that justice was served in the situation.