Prior to being taken to the station in late February, Zimmerman, then an aspiring member of law enforcement, went on a ride-along with Sanford police and slammed the department for their lack of professionalism. “I would just like to state that the law is written in black and white, it cannot be enforced by those who are in the thin blue line,” the accused killer told locals in a newly released recording from last year. “What I saw was disgusting. The officer showed me his favorite hiding spots for taking naps, explained to me that he doesn't carry a long gun in his vehicle because, in his words, ‘anything that requires a long gun requires a lot of paperwork, and you're going to find me as far away from it.'”
Of course the irony of the situation is that after expressing his disdain towards the police force, his views likely changed once he became the recipient of the department's corrupt practices. Police video released three-days after the shooting shows the Florida resident walking through the station without being escorted by an officer. “This video of Zimmerman just walking through the police department so casually underscores that people in that department have a familiarity with him,” Martin's family lawyer, Benjamin Crump told the Huffington Post. “It means that he had a relationship with the Sanford police department. And it's just unusual that all along they would say they didn't. But he went on several ride-alongs with them and he was comfortable enough to walk unescorted through their department.”
Zimmerman's lawyer, Mike O'Mara, has yet to respond to claims of special treatment, but the evidence may be damning to his defense. With such a large amount of information made available for public consumption, prosecutors in the second-degree murder case have requested that Judge Kenneth Lester prevent certain documents from being released in an attempt to help him receive a fair trial.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• The History Of The YMCMB vs. G.O.O.D. Music Cold War [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

• 15 Flicks Of Rihanna Kissing People [PHOTOS]

• Stop The Lies: 10 Examples Why There Is No Such Thing As A Post-Racial America

• J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar In The Studio Recording Music [PHOTOS]

• Wired 25: The 25 Best Songs Of 2012 So Far [LISTEN]

• Bangin Candy - Taylor Gang's Lola Monroe [PHOTOS]

• Drake Tour & Afterparty Pics With French Montana, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz & More [PHOTOS]

• 10 Rappers In The 40 & Over Club That Still Got The Glow
--
Photo: AP

Several Facebook pages have been dedicated to the disgusting act, but have since been removed by the social networking site. This latest fad comes on the heels of an opportunist in Florida who was selling gun target hoodies in an attempt to capitalize off the 17-year-old's death.

Each and every person who participated in “Trayvoning" deserves to be stoned.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• Wired 25: The 25 Best Songs Of 2012 So Far [LISTEN]

• Bangin Candy - Taylor Gang's Lola Monroe [PHOTOS]

• D'Angelo Tells GQ Mag That J Dilla Inspired Him To Clean Up His Act [PHOTOS]

• Drake Tour & Afterparty Pics With French Montana, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz & More [PHOTOS]

• 10 Rappers In The 40 & Over Club That Still Got The Glow

• Bout to Blow: 7 Hip-Hop Labels Accused Of Being Fronts For Illegal Drug Operations

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day
--
Photo: Tumblr

In a newly filed motion, prosecutors asked that Judge  Kenneth Lester seal photos of the unarmed teen's body following the shooting, Zimmerman's statements to police, and other documents. Since the February shooting, the 28-year-old claims that he killed the high school student in self-defense, but has released a minimum of five statements to officials.

The lead prosecutor in the second-degree murder case, Bernie de la Rionda, argued that Zimmerman's words can be used against him, and should therefore be kept under wraps because they are "contradictory, and are inconsistent with the physical evidence and statements of witnesses."

Over the last week, several documents have been made public, including Martin's autopsy report, and  pivotal eyewitness statements, some of  which place the blame on Zimmerman for causing the fatal altercation.

De la Rionda noted that it is his hope that both the state and Zimmerman's defense attorney are allotted the opportunity to try the case fairly, without the influence of the public and the media.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• Wired 25: The 25 Best Songs Of 2012 So Far [LISTEN]

• Bangin Candy - Taylor Gang's Lola Monroe [PHOTOS]

• D'Angelo Tells GQ Mag That J Dilla Inspired Him To Clean Up His Act [PHOTOS]

• Drake Tour & Afterparty Pics With French Montana, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz & More [PHOTOS]

• 10 Rappers In The 40 & Over Club That Still Got The Glow

• Bout to Blow: 7 Hip-Hop Labels Accused Of Being Fronts For Illegal Drug Operations

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day
--
Photo: AP

These new findings are among the extensive amounts of evidence that prosecutors are using to build their case against Zimmerman. More than 150 documents, combed through by special prosecutor Angela Corey, before bringing second-degree murder charges against him, have been made public in the last week. Zimmerman's attorney, Mike O'Mara was also given copies of the evidence to help in his defense case.

Perhaps most damning of the mounds of evidence is a police report faulting Zimmerman for Martin's death, calling the incident "avoidable," and stating that he should have been charged with manslaughter for the shooting.

Footage of Martin purchasing items from a nearby 7-eleven on the night of his death was also released.

While witness accounts offer conflicting stories as to who was the aggressor in the altercation, police also noted that the unarmed 17-year-old was simply on his way home. "Investigation reveals that Martin was in fact running generally in the direction of where he was staying as a guest in the neighborhood," said the report.

Following the shooting, Zimmerman was taken down to a local police station but let go after it was determined that he was not at fault for the shooting. One month later he was charged with second-degree murder, and will go to trial later this year.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• Bout to Blow: 7 Hip-Hop Labels Accused Of Being Fronts For Illegal Drug Operations

• Jay-Z, Kanye West (& Kim Kardashian) Kick Off European Leg Of Watch The Throne Tour [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

• 6 Rappers Who Lied About Retiring From The Game

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love's Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

--

Photo: AP

Bennett is just one of many people who have fallen victim to a beat-down that landed online. In what has become a sad trend, many young people tape their fights in hopes of becoming stars on site like WorldStarHipHop. Last month an Ohio teen was arrested after a recording of her jumping another girl, somehow found its way to the well-known video site.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Photos Of Celebs Looking Awkward Next To Jay-Z [PHOTOS]

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love's Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico's Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn't Involve Lil Kim)
--
Photo: Broward Sherrif's Office

The release of the video comes on the heels of Martin's autopsy report which states that he was shot at close range. Additionally, a medical examiner found bruises on his knuckles, and traces of THC in his system.

While police came under fire for letting the Zimmerman off the hook, one officer felt that the 28-year-old should have been charged with manslaughter, and was wrong to approach Martin. "The encounter between George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin was ultimately avoidable by Zimmerman, if Zimmerman had remained in his vehicle and awaited the arrival of law enforcement," wrote the investigator.

A medical report completed by his personal physician revealed that the former neighborhood watch volunteer suffered a broken nose, two black eyes, and sustained injuries to his head. On the night in question Zimmerman asserts that he shot the teen in self-defense.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Photos Of Celebs Looking Awkward Next To Jay-Z [PHOTOS]

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love's Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico's Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn't Involve Lil Kim)

--
Photo: ABC News

On The O'Reilly Factor  last night, the Fox News host attacked  the public for "jumping to conclusions" over the forthcoming trial. Citing Zimmerman's newly released medical records, O'Reilly blasted those who have doubts about the 28-year-old's self-defense claims. "This latest exposition should prove to Americans once and for all, the case needs to be tried in front of a jury and people need to stop jumping to conclusions and exploiting the death of an American teenager for their own purposes," he said. "Trayvon Martin was used by pundits and politicians to make political and social points. Very wrong."

Benjamin Crump, lawyer for the Martin family, also appeared on the show and questioned the validity of the report, asking why Zimmerman refused medical treatment on the knight of the shooting. Following the release of Martin's autopsy report, Crump also asked that confidential information in the case be made public in order to have full transparency once the case goes to trial later this year.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love's Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico's Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna's "Where Have You Been" Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn't Involve Lil Kim)

--
Photo: Mediate

The autopsy, conducted by a medical examiner in Volusia County, was dated March 15, more than two weeks after he was gunned down by George Zimmerman. Further details reveal that the bullet passed through the high school student's left ventricle, before entering his lungs.

Martin's report hit the news circuit, two days after Zimmerman's medical report was obtained by ABC News. Completed by his personal physician, the 28-year-old allegedly suffered a broken nose and two black eyes. In light of the news, Benjamin Crump— lawyer for the Martin family— asked that all medical records and other information pertaining to the case be made public to maintain “full transparency.” Crump went on to state the Zimmerman's records were leaked to the media in an attempt to sway public opinion. “It was leaked for a beneficial purpose, certainly to help George Zimmerman's claim of self-defense,” he said. “This report needs to be vetted with a keen eye. You have to look at this in the full context,” he continued. “George Zimmerman made the decision to get out of his car, profile Trayvon Martin, pursue Trayvon Martin and confront him.”

Zimmerman will go on trial later this year. He has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love's Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico's Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna's "Where Have You Been" Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn't Involve Lil Kim)

--
Photo: Facebook

Despite her illness,  TMZ reports that Summer was trying to finish up a forthcoming album. The 5-time Grammy winner is best known for her hit “Last Dance.” Released in 1978 the track debuted atop the Billboard Hot Dance Play Charts, and at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The singer's death comes one day after the passing of Go-Go Godfather Chuck Brown.

Summer relocated from Los Angeles to Nashville in 1994. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, and four grandchildren.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love's Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico's Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna's "Where Have You Been" Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn't Involve Lil Kim)

--
Photo: Green Nobles

According to the report, Zimmerman had a broken nose, two black eyes, and lacerations on his head. Not surprisingly, the Florida resident's family physician completed the medical report, obtained by ABC News Tuesday (May 15). Aside from his visible ailments—for which he refused medical attention— Zimmerman also complained of "occasional nausea when thinking about the violence," and was told to seek psychological help.

While Zimmerman's doctor's findings fall in line with his claim of self-defense, none of his injuries were visible on police surveillance taken not long after the incident. Discrepancies, in his story—which also include the fact that he was told not to pursue Martin, and that a witness heard the teen cry out before dying—will likely poke holes in his defense, once the case goes to trial.

Last week, Zimmerman's lawyer submitted a not guilty plea on his client's behalf, and waived his right to a speedy trial.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love's Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico's Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna's "Where Have You Been" Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn't Involve Lil Kim)

• Lark Voorhies ("Lisa Turtle" From Saved By The Bell) Fell Off [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

• A Bad Azz Timeline: How Lil Boosie Ended Up On Trial For Murder
--
Photo: Getty