George Zimmerman has been found not guilty by a jury of six women. These jurors, according to all reports, gave nothing but their utmost attention and thoughtful consideration to the job they were given. They deliberated for sixteen hours, finally reaching a decision around ten o’clock this Saturday night. In my opinion, and from all that I saw and heard, I can’t help but think their verdict was the right one.
No one aside from George Zimmerman really knows what took place on that dark and rainy night eighteen months ago, and that lends itself to doubt for a jury. The State didn’t prove their case and that’s their burden. There were suggestions, innuendos, speculation and the suggestion to the jurors that they use their common sense. They did.
Many of you will disagree with me and the jury, and I can understand your frustration. I’ve read the tweets where some people are calling George Zimmerman a racist, that the State of Florida has become the place that just can’t seem to convict “killers”. Cries that this was not justice are missing the point. CNN legal analyst and Florida attorney, Mark Nejame said it best. “Justice is a process, not an outcome.” When the State fails to meet it’s burden, a jury really has no other choice but to acquit a defendant. They failed in the case of Casey Anthony and they failed in the case of George Zimmerman. There simply wasn’t enough evidence in either instance which could have given a jury the tools to reach a verdict of guilty.
There’s a difference between “not guilty” and “innocent”. George Zimmerman put something into motion that night, the extent of which only he knows. Somehow it escalated, maybe words or blows were exchanged, resulting in the shot that killed Trayvon Martin. Based on the evidence and testimony, I have my own theory of what happened, but that really doesn’t matter right now.
I’ve said this before, about other infamous trials – being on a jury is probably the most difficult thing that we’ll ever be asked to do. In my experience, members of juries take their charge very seriously and struggle with whatever decision they make. Justice – the process that we are so lucky to have in this country – worked exactly the way it was supposed to work. So, as you reflect on what occurred and the verdict that was rendered, take solace from the fact that we really do have an incredible system of justice, where we, everyday, average people, sit in judgment of our fellow human beings – and, more often than not, get it exactly right. Think about this with your heads and not your hearts, just as those six women did, and maybe it will make more sense to you. Just as George Zimmerman will have to live with the events of that night, the members of this jury will live with their decision. I think they can sleep well.
Peace to the people of Sanford and to the families of Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman.
Empress
realhousewifeofaiken 
Thank you Empress. I am disappointed in the outcome, you are correct that the burden was on the prosecution to make the case.
Based on the evidence presented, the jury came back with the only verdict they possibly could – not guilty. The justice system worked even if people don’t like the outcome. I don’t even blame the prosecution. They had little to work with and were facing an uphill battle. To be honest, were it not for tremendous political pressure and the media running amok with their own theories, innuendo and speculation, I doubt this case would have ever been prosecuted. There are murderers and felons walking among us who have never been arrested because the state doesn’t have enough evidence to win a conviction. I don’t know what happened that night because I wasn’t there. I’ve tried to follow this case with my pea brain and not with my heart or emotions. The defense did a good job and the prosecution had a weak case from the beginning. My heart goes out to this young man’s friends and family. His parents have shown great dignity during what must have been a most difficult time for them. I can’t even begin to imagine what they are going through. That being said, I am not shocked or stunned at the outcome of this trial. I’m just saddened that a young man lost his life in such a tragic way.
You see the media now spinning it right? LOL I don’t agree with verdict, I also don’t agree with allot of things — Media!! They always manage to wipe hands clean!
Well, what didnt help was NBC manipulating the 911 tape making it sound like he said, “F’ing Coon”! Which got us fired up in the first place.. NBC’s response to the law suit was spineless.. I still don’t agree with the verdict, however, when something is wrong.. it’s wrong.. L@@king at you @NBC !! It will never sit right with me that a kid died for nothing..
I really didn’t follow this case “closely” (I didn’t watch HLN) but I do remember the early days when so many people wanted Zimmerman to be “white” just to make this is a white on black case.
So my reaction is – If the evidence simply isn’t there, then the government should lose.
Reasonable doubt etc.
Holder should have kept his nose out of this case.
Thank you empress, excellent blog.
Great post, Empress 😀
Thank you for your blog. I have strong feelings on what the outcome says to our young Black males. I was in FL with a group of Black youth competing (academic competition) about 500 hundred. They were in the pool, when a white guy yells from the balcony of the hotel…”Zimmerman Acquitted…yes”. It never became so real for those students, future Engineers, Doctors, Attorneys, Scientists, Writers and Poets. Thought many of them have encountered profiling on some level or another, their innocents was lost. The case became more than what happened that evening. I am glad the verdict was “not guilty”, because it has sparked conversation and activism that should have never die. Don’t get me wrong, I grieve for Trayvon and his family, and even Zimmermen. He will now feel the anguish of a young black male…people always following you, judging you without knowing you, thinking you are a criminal… There is an open letter which addresses this very sentiment.
Very well said Becky! This case is not about race but rather, race relations! It’s more about the issues being faced by one particular race and gender (collectively) and therefore another child has lost their life due to this ignorance.