Kel-Tec PF-9
Only
minutes after George Zimmerman made a phone call to the Sanford Police
Department to report Trayvon Martin as a suspicious person, their paths briefly
crossed and Martin’s life suddenly ended. Since it became a major story
in the media people all over the world have wondered what really happened that
night. According to Zimmerman, he killed Martin in self-defense shortly
after Martin tried to take his firearm. Zimmerman claims that Martin went for
his concealed weapon when it became exposed during a struggle.
Now, with the trial fully underway, new clues have emerged from previously released evidence. They cast doubt on
Zimmerman's assertion that Martin tried to take his gun, which he says was in his holster. The clues arise from the very call that the neighborhood
watchman made moments before the shooting. While it’s not a secret, it is
a mystery that the evidence isn't more widely known. Especially, since the call
revealing it was released and broadcast repeatedly in the news. One possible
explanation is that listeners have been distracted by conversation. The
startling clues are faintly heard in the background of the on-going dialogue
between Zimmerman and the dispatcher. I’m not a detective nor am I an attorney.
Neither am I familiar with all of the prosecution’s discovery, but I
would venture to say that one of the most damning pieces of evidence in the
murder case against George Zimmerman is that recorded phone call. After
carefully listening to it again, I am convinced that the distinct and
compelling noise heard in it is the smoking gun. It’s those sounds that likely
led to the second-degree murder charge against him and could very well lead to
a conviction.
Listen
for yourself and decide. (Stereo headphones enhances the quality of
sound).
At the
2:00 minute mark of the recording Zimmerman is still in his vehicle while
giving directions for arriving officers to get to his location. Within a few seconds he
abruptly uses an expletive as he states for the first time that Martin is
running. A second later what sounds like the following noises are heard, a
vehicle door opening, an open door alert sounding, and the door of a vehicle
closing. Next Zimmerman’s voice is heard slightly straining as he
continues to talk to the dispatcher while moving to get out of a vehicle.
Apparently tracking Martin movements, he reports to the dispatcher where
the teen is running. The dispatcher then asks Zimmerman if he’s following
him. Zimmerman responds, “Yeah.” The dispatcher says, “Okay, we don’t need you
to do that” and Zimmerman’s says, “Okay.” As there is no obvious change in the background
noise, there is no way to confirm that Zimmerman discontinued following Martin.
The dispatcher says, “Alright sir what is your name?” “George,” Zimmerman
responds. For a second time Zimmerman states that Martin is running. The
dispatcher asks Zimmerman his last name. When he responds, the evidence
that has been largely unheard by listeners boldly speaks, perhaps as a chilling
prelude to the heart-wrenching screams heard on the 911 call shortly before
Martin is shot. At the 2:56 mark on the recording as Zimmerman states his
last name with particular emphasis, what sounds like the mechanisms of a gun
are clearly heard. Almost simultaneously, Zimmerman seemingly preoccupied with doing something sounds frustrated, as he utters two words in a very low voice. One sounds like the
expletive, “s**t” and the other is “no.” A few seconds later tapping noises are heard. The noises are heard
intermittently for approximately 22 seconds until the 3:23 mark on the
recording. The call ends shortly thereafter.
It's circumstantial audio evidence, but it can be just as compelling as visual evidence. Obviously the prosecution would have to convince a jury that the noise heard is Zimmerman preparing his firearm. If gun experts can testify that the sounds are consistent with preparing that type of gun for shooting, it would be a start toward persuading a jury. Furthermore, if they could re-create the same kind of noise heard, using Zimmerman's own gun, it would be very powerful testimony. Since there is no visual evidence, the prosecution would also likely argue that the context in which these sounds occur make the accusations that Zimmerman was getting his gun ready for use more probable. How Zimmerman's weapon was introduced into the confrontation is an important point. If Zimmerman prepared his gun with the intent to pursue Martin without provocation, at that point he engaged in premeditated criminal activity. If that's the way it happened, Zimmerman's unlawful behavior subsequently led to the death of Martin, who was unarmed, not committing a crime, and running away from him.
It's circumstantial audio evidence, but it can be just as compelling as visual evidence. Obviously the prosecution would have to convince a jury that the noise heard is Zimmerman preparing his firearm. If gun experts can testify that the sounds are consistent with preparing that type of gun for shooting, it would be a start toward persuading a jury. Furthermore, if they could re-create the same kind of noise heard, using Zimmerman's own gun, it would be very powerful testimony. Since there is no visual evidence, the prosecution would also likely argue that the context in which these sounds occur make the accusations that Zimmerman was getting his gun ready for use more probable. How Zimmerman's weapon was introduced into the confrontation is an important point. If Zimmerman prepared his gun with the intent to pursue Martin without provocation, at that point he engaged in premeditated criminal activity. If that's the way it happened, Zimmerman's unlawful behavior subsequently led to the death of Martin, who was unarmed, not committing a crime, and running away from him.
