Trayvon Martin's Parents Push For An Arrest
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The mother of Trayvon Martin and the family's attorney believe charges will be filed against George Zimmerman, the Sanford neighborhood watch captain who shot and killed the teen.
Appearing on "CBS This Morning," attorney Ben Crump said he believes the decision of special prosecutor Angela Corey not to send the case to the grand jury indicates that there's enough evidence to press charges.
"We've always believed there has been enough evidence, and in the last 43 days we think it's only gotten more compelling that [George Zimmerman] at least needs to be arrested. He'll have his day in court, but Sybrina (Fulton) and Tracy [Trayvon Martin's father] have always said, they just want simple justice."
When asked if she believes Zimmerman will be arrested soon, Sybrina Fulton said she believes so.
"She (Corey) actually said they're going to be wrapping up the investigation soon. She never said whether she was going to arrest him or not. She just assured us that she would do a thorough investigation, and we just truly believe that after the investigation is completed that he will be arrested. We just have faith that he will be arrested."
Corey's decision not to bring the case before a grand jury means Zimmerman won't face a first degree murder count if he is charged. He could, however, be charged with second degree murder or manslaughter which could lead to an extensive prison sentence.
Martin,17, was shot and killed by Zimmerman on Feb. 26th as he walked through a gated community in Sanford. Zimmerman reportedly told police that Martin attacked him and he fired his gun in self-defense. The Sanford Police did not charge Zimmerman citing the state's 'Stand Your Ground" law which allows for the use of deadly force if a person feels their life is threatened.
During the interview Crump also criticized the defense attorneys of Zimmerman who played up the attack on a previous appearance on "CBS This Morning."
"They're grasping at straws," he said. "We need to have him arrested and there needs to be a trial, and the arrest needs to happen immediately, and we believe Miss Corey now is going do that since she's gotten rid of the grand jury."
Zimmerman, who has been in hiding since the shooting, has started a website to solicit donations to help pay for his living expenses and his attorneys. An attorney for Zimmerman has confirmed the authenticity of the website www.therealgeorgezimmerman.com.
"On Sunday February 26th, I was involved in a life altering event which led me to become the subject of intense media coverage. As a result of the incident and subsequent media coverage, I have been forced to leave my home, my school, my employer, my family and ultimately, my entire life.
Under a section titled "My race," the website has a Thomas Paine quote: "The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion."
While the site does not have Zimmerman's account of what happened the night of the shooting, he does write that "the facts will come to light."
