FBI questions people in Trayvon Martin case, begins 'parallel investigation'

[IDemo]

Source: msnbc.com

By Michael Isikoff, NBC News

SANFORD, Fla. -- FBI agents on Monday were questioning potential witnesses in the Trayvon Martin shooting, confirming to NBC News that the agency had begun a "parallel investigation" that focuses on whether the teen's civil rights were violated.

Agents are seeking information on George Zimmerman's background and whether he was racially motivated when he pursued Martin after calling a 911 police dispatcher about his presence in the community, an FBI official told NBC.

The agents were at the Retreat at Twin Lakes, where Martin was shot dead by Zimmerman, the gated community's neighborhood watch captain.

The state of Florida is conducting its own investigation in the shooting and that one is being overseen by a special prosecutor.

Read more: http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/02/10983757-fbi-questions-people-in-trayvon-martin-case-begins-parallel-investigation

[Lone_Star_Dem]

1. Good. This should give his family some sense of acknowledgment at least.

They know their words to Holder were heard and are being taken seriously.

[ZombieHorde]

17. Good point. I hope the family receives some comfort from this. nt

[marshall gaines]

2. time

about time.

[happerbolic]

3. Nothing says 'Trust' Like Parallel Investigations....

[Shadowflash]

4. '..focuses on whether the teen's civil rights were violated.'

There is an understatement if I've ever seen one.

[lunatica]

8. The FBI may only be able to get involved if a Federal crime has occurred

[Sarah Ibarruri]

5. WHAT? The teen was shot dead! What's this with "whether the teen's civil rights were violated??"

"FBI agents ... had begun a "parallel investigation" that focuses on whether the teen's civil rights were violated"

Amazing.

[lunatica]

6. It may be the only way the FBI can get involved

They're limited in what kind of investigations they can do in each state. It may have to be a hate crime or some form of civil rights violation in order for them to get involved.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

10. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks. nt

[jeff47]

7. Not on federal land or against federal employee - feds can't charge with murder

The relevant murder statute is a state law. Feds can't enforce state law.

That's why the cops in the Rodney King incident and other incidents were charged with civil rights violations instead of assault or murder.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

9. Interesting. Still, it sounds insane to determine if his civil rights were violated if he's dead nt

[jeff47]

11. It is the first thing in "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness"..... (nt)

[Ruby the Liberal]

12. Would you prefer that they just declare it

and not bother with an investigation?

[Sarah Ibarruri]

15. I like investigations, but as we all know, this case stank from the moment it happened

If Zimmerman had been black and Martin white, Zimmerman would have been in jail from the moment it happened, Stand law, no Stand law, Stand up or Stand down.

[Ruby the Liberal]

19. Well, that onus is on the local authorities

not the Feds.

By the time the Feds get done, Mr Zimmerman is going to wish he was arrested and charged on Feb 26th.

[Skittles]

23. what I want to see resulting from all of this

is local authorities thinking twice about "white-washing" murders

[barbtries]

26. and perhaps citizens

thinking twice about pulling the trigger.

[Skittles]

27. touche

yes INDEED

[hlthe2b]

13. Murder is a state crime unless on Federal property or involving a Federal agent or in commission of

another Federal crime (e.g., kidnapping across state lines, terrorism, etc). So, the only way for the FEDS to bring charges would be on a civil rights violation--e.g., if there is evidence that race makes it a hate crime (as I believe it was).

[Sarah Ibarruri]

14. I get it. Thanks. nt

[pnwmom]

18. Every murder isn't a Federal matter.

Prosecution of a murder is a state matter, not a Federal matter, unless there is a violation of federally guaranteed civil rights or there's a hate crime.

[BamaFanLee]

21. This was a hate crime

Zimmerman looked at the color of Martin's skin first. Holder needs to get involved since the Sanford PD won't.

[pnwmom]

22. I think so, but that hasn't been legally determined yet. n/t

[K Gardner]

16. Finally. Finally. It's some comfort to think of FBI agents "on the ground"

interviewing people. Hopefully they involve the "profilers".

[Major Hogwash]

20. About time.

Fuck.

[sudopod]

24. About time. nt

[barbtries]

25. this is good.

arrest the mofo already.