Today marks an important day in the Zimmerman family history book. On April 11, 2012 George Zimmerman was arrested for the murder of Trayon Martin. In honor of the anniversary, the accused killer’s mother penned an open letter commemorating the day that the “justice system failed us as Americans.”
In the “Letter of Gratitude,” intended for those not looking to “mock or rebuke” her claims, Gladys Zimmerman protests her son’s perceived guilt. “April 11 2012 will be forever remembered by the Zimmerman family as the day the justice system failed us as Americans, and as a consequence an innocent man was arrested for a crime he did not commit, solely to placate the masses,” she writes. “George was charged with murder. By confusing the public and manipulating perception in order to sway the ‘court of public opinion,’ [Martin family lawyer] Benjamin Crump & co. finally achieved their ‘first base’ victory.”
She further explains how the public has been fooled by the media. “From the beginning, this case has been heavily publicized and a false narrative was developed surrounding a very real tragedy when there was little evidence available to the public. It is astounding that despite the vast amount of information and evidence now available that supports George’s self defense claim, the majority of the media avoids its publication. It is indeed alarming that even more media outlets do not regret misinforming the public and have not taken steps to retract the fabrications they are responsible for perpetuating.”
George fatally shot 17-year-old Martin in late February. He attests to have acted in self-defense and went uncharged for more than a month before state prosecutors arrested him for second-degree murder.
Martin’s death sparked national protests, and the neighborhood watch captain becoming a target of most of the anger. Once George was apprehended he was eventually released from custody, pending the start of his murder trial in June.
Like his mother, and other family members, George also feels that he has been tried by the public rather than the legal system.
Click here to read the entire letter.
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Photo: AP
