Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman: He Was Reaching for My Gun
George Zimmerman told police that Trayvon Martin had been brutally beating him and reached for his gun the night he shot and killed the 17-year-old in "self-defense," according to reports.
While Martin's parents, celebrities, and activists demand Zimmerman's arrest for his actions, the neighborhood watch leader told police Feb. 26 that the teen was reaching for his gun, police sources told ABC News.
In addition, police reports state that Zimmerman was bleeding from the back of the head and nose, and a 13-year-old eyewitness, Austin Brown, claims he saw someone fitting Zimmerman's description lying on the ground yelling for help moments before the fatal shot was fired.
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Zimmerman's recently hired attorney, Craig Sonner, told ABC News that his client felt "one of them was going to die that night," which was the reason Zimmerman shot Martin. The idea could certainly become the crux of the case, as Sonner told ABC that he would most likely cite Florida's Stand Your Ground law- legislation allowing civilians the use of deadly force under equally deadly threat.
Zimmerman claims that he saw Martin walking in his gated neighborhood, and immediately reported his "suspicious" behavior to police. While pursuing the youth, Zimmerman lost him, then headed back to his truck. At that point, said the 28-year-old, is when Martin attacked him from behind, knocking him down and hammering away at his head.
Zimmerman's words conflict heavily with Martin's 16-year-old girlfriend, who was on the phone with him up until their confrontation. She told police she heard Trayvon ask "Why are you following me?" and Zimmerman demand "What are you doing around here?"
Afterwards, the altercation started, which led to Martin's death several minutes later.
Most recently, evidence of Martin's suspension from school- the youth was suspended for having an empty baggie containing traces of marijuana- has clouded the investigation, much to the chagrin of Martin's parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton.
"All I've got to say is they killed my son, and now they're trying to kill his reputation," the grieving mother told reporters.
Zimmerman, who has received death threats in the wake of Martin's killing, has gone into hiding. Authorities say Zimmerman's account of Feb. 26 has been corroborated by several witnesses, which is why he currently remains free.
