# Why hasn't the Neighborhood Watch shooter been arrested? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 12, 2012, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504 "2012-03-12T00:53:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 188
**Author:** ![TonySinclair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3741 "2012-04-12T00:30:40Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > He’s threatening to escalate. How long will it stay peaceful? There’s already reports of White supremacists coming into that area. You got the new black panthers. The New Black Panthers are analogous to the Westboro Baptist Church. No one with any intelligence takes them seriously. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3742 "2012-04-12T00:31:36Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > You got the new black panthers. Holy fuck, what do they have? Ten members? ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3743 "2012-04-12T00:34:27Z")
> [@treis](#): > > Unless some fantastic new fact comes to life, she doesn’t have a prayer proving that Zimmerman had a “depraved mind regardless of human life”. The phrasing is archaic. It’s not nearly as difficult as you seem to think it is. If it were, no one would ever be convicted of murder. People have gone to the chair on much less evidence than has already come out about this case. ---
**Author:** ![JoelUpchurch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3744 "2012-04-12T00:35:50Z")
It looks like Zimmerman should be arraigned tomorrow. I wonder if the hearing will be closed or not. I would at least like a perp walk. I’ve heard that Zimmerman has lost some weight. ---
**Author:** ![TonySinclair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3745 "2012-04-12T00:41:08Z")
> [@JoelUpchurch](#): > > I’ve heard that Zimmerman has lost some weight. That seems like a good strategy. The less intimidating he looks on the stand, the better. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3746 "2012-04-12T00:43:48Z")
> [@JoelUpchurch](#): > > It looks like Zimmerman should be arraigned tomorrow. I wonder if the hearing will be closed or not. I would at least like a perp walk. I’ve heard that Zimmerman has lost some weight. What’s the word on bail? Does Florida typically grant bail in a situation like this? I find it a wee bit suspicious she chose not to go the grand jury route… ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3747 "2012-04-12T00:46:19Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > The phrasing is archaic. It’s not nearly as difficult as you seem to think it is. If it were, no one would ever be convicted of murder. People have gone to the chair on much less evidence than has already come out about this case. Yeah, I can’t believe folks are acting like we only have tea leaves in this case. I’m actually amazed by how much evidence there is. For what amounts to less than 15-minute slice of life, we have - a 911 call from the shooter informing us of his state of mind and intent - a ear witness to Martin’s last moments before the shooting - multiple 911 calls by neighbors, with sounds of desperate screaming for help in the background - multiple witnesses statements - surveillance video - the police report - EMT records - forensic data ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3748 "2012-04-12T00:56:10Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’ve lived through enough riots, beatings and lootings for one life time. Multiple blows to the head, I’m assuming? ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3749 "2012-04-12T00:59:49Z")
Called it! March 30, 2012: > [@Stoid](#): > > Zimmerman is a murderer. > [@Stoid](#): > > Looks good for second degree to me. > [@Martin\_Hyde](#): > > Might as well just charge him with rape and arson too, if we’re going to just start charging people with crimes they certainly did not commit. I say again: Called it! ---
**Author:** ![JoelUpchurch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3750 "2012-04-12T01:08:48Z")
> [@jtgain](#): > > What’s the word on bail? Does Florida typically grant bail in a situation like this? > > I find it a wee bit suspicious she chose not to go the grand jury route… [http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/04/11/2743345/after-zimmermans-arrest-what-happens.html](http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/04/11/2743345/after-zimmermans-arrest-what-happens.html) > [@](#): > > George Zimmerman faces a charge of second-degree murder with a firearm, a first-degree felony punishable by a minimum of 25 years in prison and up to life behind bars. **The charge is a non-bondable offense, which means Zimmerman does not have the immediate right to post bail.** I’m note sure why he would want bail. The Seminole County Jail is probably the safest place for him, as long as they don’t let him mix with the general population. ---
**Author:** ![TonySinclair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3751 "2012-04-12T01:09:38Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > Called it! March 30, 2012: > I say again: Called it! Appropriate, since it was pretty much a coin flip. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3752 "2012-04-12T01:29:13Z")
> [@JoelUpchurch](#): > > It looks like Zimmerman should be arraigned tomorrow. I wonder if the hearing will be closed or not. I would at least like a perp walk. I’ve heard that Zimmerman has lost some weight. His mugshot of today is already out, and his face looks considerably thinner. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3753 "2012-04-12T01:35:55Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > His mugshot of today is already out, and his face looks considerably thinner. link plz. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3754 "2012-04-12T01:40:10Z")
> [@monstro](#): > > Will someone tell me when we can STOP being afraid of rioting blacks? Never? Have you ever been in a riot? I don’t care it it’s blacks, whites, or Puerto Rican cleaning ladies, people get killed and stuff gets burned in an outright riot–you’d be a fool not to be leery of rioting anyone. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3755 "2012-04-12T01:42:50Z")
[QUOTE=Stoid] I’ll say it again: Called it! [/QUOTE] Hey, and I stand by my original statements. I think the charge is outrageous and that it is an improper charge, based on my knowledge of the case. Certainly based on the knowledge available to you when you made the claim it was outright ignorance to advocate for a Second Degree murder charge. I stand by my statement that second degree murder is a crime he most certainly did not commit. And luckily there will now be a trial, so none of this is up to your opinion any further. If Zimmerman is convicted of second degree murder I’ll make a $250 donation (with proof) to the charity of your choice. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3756 "2012-04-12T01:43:10Z")
> [@Martin\_Hyde](#): > > Never? Have you ever been in a riot? I don’t care it it’s blacks, whites, or Puerto Rican cleaning ladies, people get killed and stuff gets burned in an outright riot–you’d be a fool not to be leery of rioting anyone. Whoosh! ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3757 "2012-04-12T01:44:35Z")
I’d just love to know his diet secrets. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3758 "2012-04-12T01:46:16Z")
> [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](#): > > I’d just love to know his diet secrets. He put down the fork. ---
**Author:** ![JoelUpchurch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3759 "2012-04-12T01:50:24Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > His mugshot of today is already out, and his face looks considerably thinner. Your right. I would have walked by him on the street and not known him. I’m looking for the video right now. [http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/04/11/2742694/trayvon-martin-shooter-george.html](http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/04/11/2742694/trayvon-martin-shooter-george.html) Does his nose actually get thinner when it healed? ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504/3760 "2012-04-12T01:51:54Z")
> [@Martin\_Hyde](#): > > …If Zimmerman is convicted of second degree murder I’ll make a $250 donation (with proof) to the charity of your choice. This is a win/win for you, because Stoid’s favorite charity just happens to be B-PAAZ. Or, Butthurt Posters Against Arresting Zimmerman. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504.md?page=187) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-neighborhood-watch-shooter-been-arrested/615504.md?page=189)