Trayvon Martin: ABC report may bolster George Zimmerman’s case
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ABC News has waded into the explosive Trayvon Martin case by obtaining a medical report that could support defendant George Zimmerman’s version of events.
Zimmerman, a Florida neighborhood watch volunteer charged with second-degree murder in the death of Martin, claims he shot the unarmed black youth because the two had a confrontation and he feared for his life. Until now proof of such a confrontation has been minimal. But on Tuesday’s “World News,” anchor Diane Sawyer told viewers that ABC had a medical report that could corroborate Zimmerman’s version of events.
The documents say Zimmerman was treated for scalp lacerations and other injuries the morning after the shooting. In addition, Zimmerman said he was nauseated and the doctor recommended that he see a psychologist.
That could boost Zimmerman’s contention that he shot Martin in self-defense, pushing aside critics who have claimed both the shooting and the subsequent police handling of it (Zimmerman was not charged for six weeks) were motivated by racism.
However, the report hardly resolves the myriad questions surrounding the case. ABC News also provided a police videotape of Zimmerman entering the station about an hour after the shooting. He does not appear to be injured, nor are his clothes stained with blood. Also, Zimmerman -- who was questioned by police but not charged immediately after the incident -- declined to be admitted to the hospital the night of the shooting.
What do you think of ABC’s report? Does it change your thinking on the case? Sound off in the comments.
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-- Scott Collins
twitter.com/scottcollinsLAT
