Stand your ground.

[DearAbby]

I was thinking, trying to put myself in Trayvon's shoes. Someone in a vehicle is watching you closely, so closely you move from the protection of the awning to continue home in the rain. Next thing you know you see the same person who was watching you in the car, now following you on foot... what would you think? Me? At that point I would be thinking sexual pervert. This person means to do me harm.

From testimony of his friend and their conversation, it wasn't normal teenage chatter, they were talking about this situation. Discussing ways of escaping. This shows me Trayvon was frightened. Any 16 just turned 17 would be frightened at this point. Some creepy man watching from the shadows, "Run Trayvon, run." ...suddenly comes up behind you -"Oh Shit."

Does not sound like a kid who would say "You've got me"

[Duer 157099]

1. I think the sexual assault angle isn't getting enough attention

From Rachel's testimony, she told TM that the guy was probably a pervert and going to try to rape him. That had to have gotten inside of his head and influenced how he behaved, imho.

Yes, he was afraid. Once proximity necessitated a confrontation, TM was already full of adrenaline and in self-protect mode. Don't blame him one bit, especially given the outcome.

[DearAbby]

2. We warn our kids about shit like this

From the time they could understand. I can almost feel the fear Trayvon must have felt. He was in fight or flight mode..Zimmerman rushing up behind took flight right off the table. It became a fight for his life. Trayvon under Florida law had reasonable assumption he was in danger. He was justified in using whatever force he had to get away.

[longship]

3. Maybe the prosecution ought to invoke "stand your ground"

Probably not, though.

R&K