George Zimmerman Apologizes to Parents of Trayvon Martin, “I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son” … Zimmerman’s Bail Set At $150K (VIDEO)

After having been charged with second degree murder in the death of Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman appeared in the Sanford, FL courtroom this morning where his bail was set at $150,000. George Zimmerman could be out within days and mighty be allowed to live outside Florida for his own safety. With the 10% cash payment customarily made to secure bond, George Zimmerman could be freed with $15,000 from his family. Also, during today’s hearing Zimmerman also apologized to the parents of Trayvon Martin.

After testimony from his family members, Zimmerman took the stand and apologized to Martin’s parents, who were in present in court.

Zimmerman said, “I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit younger than I am. And I did not know if he was armed or not.”

VIDEO OF JUDGE SETTING BAIL

From CNN:

With the 10% cash payment customarily made to secure bond, Zimmerman could be freed with $15,000 from his family, attorneys said.

He will likely remain in jail for at least a couple of days while his attorneys and authorities work out terms of his release, which also include electronic monitoring and other restrictions, O’Mara said.

The judge told O’Mara to talk to authorities about his request to allow Zimmerman to leave Florida while awaiting trial. O’Mara said he is concerned about threats to Zimmerman’s safety, as well as that of his family.

De la Rionda said no decision has been made on whether to allow Zimmerman to leave the state.

FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ZIMMERMAN BOND HEARING.

Check Book Journalism: Jose Baez, Casey Anthony’s Lawyer, Publicly Acknowledged that the Money He Received from ABC News Made it able to Mount a Successful Defense

Thanks to Disney owned ABC News and check book journalism … Jose Baez says he was able to mount a successful defense.

Joe Baez, the defense attorney for Casey Anthony, finally has stated publicly what we and Blink on Crime knew all along. Jose Baez appeared on PBS’s “Frontline,” and stated how they got $200,000 from ABC for photos of Casey and Caylee, and that money was used “so we could mount a proper defense.” How special that a Disney owned company helped through “checkbook journalism” to deny justice to two year old Caylee Anthony. As reported at the Orlando Sentinel, “ABC News changed its policy, saying it would no longer license pictures or video tied to a booking.” Sorry, a little late now. Maybe you would like to apologize to Caylee Anthony?

VIDEO: TMZ

Jose Baez, Casey Anthony’s lawyer, has for the first time publicly acknowledged he was able to mount a successful defense thanks to the money he got from ABC news.

Baez, who appeared on PBS’s “Frontline,” explained how they got $200,000 from ABC for photos of Casey and Caylee, and that money was used “so we could mount a proper defense.”

ABC News & Disney put check book journalism above Justice for Caylee

Sick, I hope those at ABC News can live with themselves. Even Baez stated in the interview that the Casey Anthony case was an anomaly because the network paid $200K for licensing fees for the Anthony defense. So before anyone wants to use this case and the verdict as case law, it can obviously be stated if it were not for ABC News and their hideous checkbook journalism, the out come of the case might have been much, much different than a “not guilty as sin” verdict.

Trayvon Martin Murder Trial: George Zimmerman’s Defense Attorney Mark O’Mara Requests Seminole Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler Be Removed From Murder Trial

The defense attorney for George Zimmerman officially filed the necessary paper work today to have  Judge Jessica Recksiedler removed from the second degree murder case of his client because of a conflict of interest. This past Friday, Judge Recksiedler disclosed that she might have a conflict that might disqualify her from this murder case that she was assigned.  Recksiedler said that that the conflict dealt with the fact that her husband, who works with Orlando, Florida defense attorney Mark NeJame, originally considered representing George Zimmerman and was contacted by Zimmerman before Nejame decided to do analyst work for CNN. It is almost a certainty that Judge Recksiedler will grant the motion.

Mark O’Mara’s office filed paperwork Monday asking that Seminole Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler not preside over second-degree murder proceedings involving Zimmerman, according to Seminole County Court spokeswoman Michelle Kennedy.

The motion to “disqualify” the trial judge “will be ruled on in the appropriate manner,” Kennedy said Monday.

Seminole Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler Says She May Have a Conflict of Interest & Recuse Herself in George Zimmerman Murder Trial in Death of Trayvon Martin

Judge Jessica Recksiedler disclosed that she has a potential conflict of interest in the the murder trial of George Zimmerman accused of the second degree murder of Trayvon Martin. Recksiedler might have to recuse herself because her husband works for the law firm of Mark NeJame [friend of SM] who originally considered representing Zimmerman before deciding to do work for CNN. Lead Florida prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda stated that saw no conflict and had no reason to ask Recksiedler to step down; however, the defense attorney for Zimmerman, Mark O’Mara, said the disclosure concerns him and he may ask for another judge next week.

Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler made the disclosure at a special 10-minute hearing and said she was obliged to give the prosecutor and defense attorney the opportunity to ask her to step down from the case, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Lead prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda said he has no reason to ask Recksiedler to step down but Mark O’Mara, attorney for suspect George Zimmerman, said the disclosure concerns him and he may ask for another judge next week.

Recksiedler’s husband works for the law firm of Mark NeJame and originally considered representing Zimmerman before deciding he preferred the CNN gig, the newspaper said.

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Harvard Law Prof. Alan Dershowitz Says Zimmerman Arrest Affidavit in Death of Trayvon Martin is ‘Irresponsible & Unethical’

Well this is rather interesting, during an interview on MSNBC’s Hardball with fill-in host Michel Smerconish, Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz told MSNBC that the Zimmerman affidavit was irresponsible and unethical. So will justice really be served or is the prosecution of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin simply political?

Alan Dershowitz went on to say that the arrest affidavit was thin and that it would not suffice. Dershowitz went on to say, “There’s simply nothing in there that would justify second degree murder.” The famed Harvard law prof went on to further criticize special prosecutor Angela Corey decision to move forward on the case against Zimmerman and accused Corey of making a political reelection speech as well as overcharging Zimmerman.

Dershowitz most telling comment was that if there is no stranger evidence than what appeared in the probable cause affidavit, “the case will result in an acquittal.”

From Mediaite:

Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz appeared on MSNBC’s Hardball where fill-in host Michel Smerconish asked him his opinions of the arrest warrant issued and carried out for alleged Trayvon Martin murderer, George Zimmerman. Dershowitz called the affidavit justifying Zimmerman’s arrest “not only thin, it’s irresponsible.” He went on to criticize the decision to charge Zimmerman for second degree murder by special prosecutor Angela Corey as being politically motivated.

“You’ve seen the affidavit of probable cause. What do you make of it,” Smerconish asked. “It won’t suffice,” Dershowitz replied without hesitation.

“Most affidavits of probable cause are very thin. This is so thin that it won’t make it past a judge on a second degree murder charge,” Dershowitz said. “There’s simply nothing in there that would justify second degree murder.”

Dershowitz said that the elements that would constitute that crime are non-existent in the affidavit. “It’s not only thin, it’s irresponsible,” said Dershowitz.

Dershowitz went on to strongly criticize Corey’s decision to move forward with the case against Zimmerman. “I think what you have here is an elected public official who made a campaign speech last night for reelection when she gave her presentation and overcharged. This case will not – if the evidence is no stronger than what appears in the probable cause affidavit – this case will result in an acquittal.”

Andrew C. McCarthy at NRO’s ‘The Corner’ also finds the affidavit is stunningly weak and wanting.

Read the Affidavit of Probable Cause HERE.

Much more regarding the weak affidavit from Powerline. The question remains, how can such a weak affidavit and the fact that there is little evidence that Zimmerman profiled Trayvon Martin, let alone no one knows, including the prosecutor who started the fight, how does this merit second degree murder? Is this an attempt by the prosecutor to overcharge in an effort to have Zimmerman cop to a lesser charge of manslaughter? However, as stated at Powerline. “But if the prosecutor isn’t even prepared to allege, let alone prove, that it was Zimmerman, not Martin, who started the fight, one wonders what chance she has of convicting Zimmerman of anything”. Agreed.

George Zimmerman’s Defense Attorney Mark O’Mara Says … George Cannot Get a Fair Trial in Central Florida Today (Video)

Following the second degree murder charges brought against his client George Zimmerman, his defense attorney Mark O’Mara stated that George cannot get a fair trial in Central Florida today because emotions are running too high. O’Mara went on to say, “But, we’ll see as we get closer to the point that we’re resolving it, we don’t even know if we’re going to have a trial.”

Mark O’Mara: I think no one would deny the fact that if George Zimmerman were walking down the street today he would be at risk. And, that’s just the reality. That’s just the way things are right now so we need to protect him. And, I’m hoping that the judge will understand that. I’m certain that the prosecutor understands that. I’m hoping law enforcement gives us the assistance that we’re going to need in this case. But I’m hoping that we’re going to keep him safe. I want him to get to his trial so that a judge or jury or the prosecutor and I can figure out a way to resolve this.

Reporter: Do you think you can get a fair trial?

Mark O’Mara: We wouldn’t today. I don’t think. The emotions are just running high in all of central Florida. But, we’ll see as we get closer to the point that we’re resolving it, we don’t even know if we’re going to have a trial.

Who really thinks that George Zimmerman can get a fair trial? When the President of the United States interjects himself in a case without knowing all, if any of the facts, and states Trayvon Martin would look like his son … how could anyone get a fair trial? Then when the MSM purposely produces a deceptive and misleading audio tape that tried to portray Zimmerman as a racist and racially profiling Travon Martin … how does one get a fair trial?

How much a part will racism play in the selection of a jury? Just curious … how are they ever going to be able to find 12 jurors who have not heard about this case and formulated an opinion? Seriously, will he have a jury of his peers and how many will be “white” Hispanics?

There is no way that this case will be held in Seminole county, look for a change of venue motion if case goes forward.

George Zimmerman Charged with Second Degree Murder in Death of Trayvon Martin … Turns Himself In to Authorities

How is justice defined in the death of Trayvon Martin? Will Justice truly be blind?

After 45 days, George Zimmerman has been charged with second degree murder in the death of Trayvon Martin. The incident has caused outrage and racial tensions over accusations of racial profiling on one side and the an over-zealous media and bias media that has jumped to conclusions without knowing the facts as well as putting forth to the public an edited and deceptive 9-11 audio tape presenting  Zimmerman in a racist slant. Zimmerman faces a possible life in prison if convicted’ However, second degree murder under Florida law states that a killing was carried out without premeditation but with “a depraved mind regardless of human life.”

(George Zimmerman – Source: Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)

George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who fatally shot Florida teenager Trayvon Martin 45 days ago, was charged with second-degree murder Wednesday, marking a turning point in a case that has provoked nationwide debate over racial profiling.

Florida special prosecutor Angela B. Corey, who announced the charge in Jacksonville, said that “the search for justice has brought us to this moment.” Zimmerman turned himself in and was brought Wednesday evening to the Seminole County jail.

After a public campaign by the MSM and those who cried racism,managed to some how force the state prosecutor to file charges against an individual who was originally let go. However, the prosecutors have to tough road to hoe as they must prove Zimmerman’s shooting of Martin was rooted in hatred or ill will. This in the face of Zimmerman’s claims of self-defense. This is hardly a slam dunk.

Legal experts said Corey chose a tough route with the murder charge, which could send Zimmerman to prison for life if he’s convicted, over manslaughter, which usually carries 15-year prison terms and covers reckless or negligent killings.

The prosecutors must prove Zimmerman’s shooting of Martin was rooted in hatred or ill will and counter his claims that he shot Martin to protect himself while patrolling his gated community in the Orlando suburb of Sanford. Zimmerman’s lawyers would only have to prove by a preponderance of evidence – a relatively low legal standard – that he acted in self-defense at a pretrial hearing to prevent the case from going to trial.

There’s a “high likelihood it could be dismissed by the judge even before the jury gets to hear the case,” Florida defense attorney Richard Hornsby said.

Read more

Trayvon Martin Case: George Zimmerman’s Attorney Withdraw from Case … Lost Contact With Client … Zimmerman Contacted Prosecutors

The saga continues in the case of the death of Trayvon Martin …

As everyone waits to see if George Zimmerman will be charged with murder in the death of Trayvon Martin there is news from the defense. As reported at the Orlando Sentinel, the defense attorneys of George Zimmerman have withdrawn from the case. According to accounts, the defense team has lost contact with their client and some thing occurred that is much worse. The defense attorneys stated that “as of the last couple days he has not returned phone calls, text messages or emails.” It would appear that Zimmerman had contact with the state prosecutor.

Zimmerman has not talked to or communicated with them since Sunday, said Craig Sonner, one of his lawyers.

Worse, Zimmerman has done two dangerous things, his lawyers said: He telephoned a special prosecutor who’s trying to put together a criminal case against him, and he called Sean Hannity of Fox News.

Both were bad ideas, said Sonner and co-counsel Hal Uhrig.

The call to the office of Special Prosecutor Angela Corey apparently did no harm, Uhrig said.

At the news conference,Zimerman’s former attorneys went on to say that they believed in his innocence and that he was no racist. Also they stated that Zimmerman has gone underground for fear of his safety.

Sonner and Uhrig said that they still believe in Zimmerman’s innocence and that they would probably represent him again if he contacted them and requested it. They said Zimmerman is in the U.S., but wouldn’t say where because they fear for his safety.

They said Zimmerman has been under extreme pressure and is basically alone, having gone underground because of the furor.

UPDATE I: Zimmerman’s family responds to attorney’s withdrawal from case.

Benjamin Crump, the attorney for Martin’s family, expressed surprise over the announcement and issued a statement to TIME.

Trayvon’s family was always concerned that Zimmerman doesn’t try to skirt his legal responsibilities and become a flight risk. We always wanted this before a judge and a jury. We hope that [authorities] will take this under consideration that this a flight risk. If they go to press charges, is he really going to face them?

Exploitation of Trayvon Martin: NBC Claims that Edited George Zimmerman 9-11 Audio was a “Mistake Not Deliberate”

MISTAKE???

NBC has been caught in a huge media scandal in covering the death Trayvon Martin. NBC allowed a deceptive and edited tape go to air that implied that George Zimmerman was racially profiling Martin and providing the assumption that because he was black, that is why he was suspicious. However, NBC was caught red handed and had to admit that the tape was edited from the original 9-11 transcript. Last week NBC fired a producer in response to the scandal.

Now NBC is saying that the edited George Zimmerman tape was a “mistake, not deliberate”. Seriously? As stated at Weasel Zippers, if you believe this one, then they have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn. We might also have some swamp land in Florida as well.

NBC News’ decision to air an edited call from George Zimmerman to police in the moments before he shot Trayvon Martin was “a mistake and not a deliberate act to misrepresent the phone call,” according to the president of the network’s news division.

Capus confirmed a previous Reuters report that an internal network investigation had determined that a producer made the editing error, and that the network’s editorial controls – including senior broadcast producer oversight, script editors and often legal and standards department reviews of sensitive material to be broadcast – simply missed the selective editing of the phone call.

Read more

Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT) Called a “Whore” by Primary Opponent Lee Whitnum, But not a Slut

Putting the “Moon” in MOONBAT!

Democrat primary candidate Lee Whitnum calls Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT) a whore during last nights debate for Connecticut’s open US Senate seat. Well, at least she did not call him a “SLUT”. However, what might have been more eye popping was her stance and comments regarding Israel. This loon went on to say that she wants the US to prosecute Jewish Americans who go to Israel and join the army and kill. Huh? Whitnum actually believes prosecuting our own American citizens “would solve anti-American sentiment world-wide”.

Rep. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) was called a “whore” by a primary opponent during Thursday night’s debate for Connecticut’s open Senate seat.

Lee Whitnum, who is mounting her second bid for the Senate in Connecticut, blasted Murphy over his support for Israel, the New Haven Register reported.

“I’m dealing with a whore here who sells his soul to AIPAC, who will say anything for the job,” Whitnum said, referring to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Whitnum said anti-American sentiment worldwide could be cured if the federal government were to prosecute U.S. settlers who “go to Israel and maim or kill in the Promised Land.” She also called for the elimination of U.S. aid to Israel.

As the Gateway Pundit states, as least she is honest regarding her position and feelings on Israel. Most Democrats try and hide their true feelings. As Jim says, with such venom towards Israel, Barack Obama probably has a spot for her in his Administration.