Family Of Miami Teen Killed In Sanford Demand Answers
MIAMI GARDENS (CBS4) - On the steps of the Miami Gardens church where Trayvon Martin's funeral was held one week ago, his family and friends returned to demand justice Sunday night.
The Miami teen was killed in Sanford, near Orlando, two weeks ago. At the time Martin was vacationing with his father.
"Not only did I lose a son, I lost a dear friend," said Tracy Martin, Trayvon's father. "He'll be sadly missed and I made a promise that I won't stop until justice is brought for my son."
His parents said Trayvon was returning from the store with skittles for his little stepbrother when he was approached by the community watch representative. They said George Zimmerman called 911 and said he spotted someone suspicious. Before police arrived, Zimmerman shot the 17-year-old to death with a 9mm gun and claimed self-defense.
"I stand before you today asking for justice for my son," cried Sabrina Fulton, Trayvon's mom. "I'm a normal mother and I just want justice for my son. I love my son dearly. My heart is broken."
Trayvon's parents said he was a good teenager and was working toward a career in aviation mechanics. They said he had never even been in a fight at school. In contrast, Zimmerman's arrest record shows he's been in trouble with the law before.
They have hired attorney Benjamin Crump to get answers in the case. They can't understand why Zimmerman has not been charged with Trayvon's murder. Crump has already filed a lawsuit to try and get the police to release the 911 tapes.
"Why are they lying to this family," asked Crump. "Why are they protecting George Zimmerman and why are they trying to cover up the murder of their child?"
A spokesman for the Sanford Police Department said they expect to wrap up their investigation and turn the case over to the State's Attorney's Office this week. Prosecutors will then decide whether or not Zimmerman should be charged.
"We are certainly not going to sweep anything under the rug," said David Morgenstern of the Sanford Police Department. "This case is being looked at thoroughly, we want to make sure that we are doing everything the right."
Trayvon's parents expect the court to hold an emergency hearing this week on whether or not to release the 911 tapes.
