BigBallinStalin wrote:"Bad" neighborhood, guy in civilian/street clothes is following me, I lose him, then approach him (based on the stories) and ask him, "why are you following me?" He asks, "what are you doing?", and then reaches for something in his jacket...?
If I'd have lost the guy following me and had thought he meant me harm, I sure as hell would then approach him.
BigBallinStalin wrote:If I was in that situation, I'd assume the person was reaching for a gun. That's the most reasonable assumption to make, according to me.
And right about that time I'd be thinking it was pretty stupid of me to have come to confront the guy after I'd lost him.
BigBallinStalin wrote:I wouldn't attack though; I'd let him take whatever. But, I'd have very likely noticed that I'm being followed, and I'd try to lose him and keep it that way. I don't want anyone getting killed if I can avoid it by running.
As an aside thought, it's strange that Martin approached Zimmerman after Zimmerman briefly lost him.
yeah, it is strange, but we'll never know what happened for sure. Even after an investigation and court case is long over and done with.
For Zimmerman, it's his story and it's up to the prosecution to show otherwise. If indeed Zimmerman can show the court that Martin was on top of him and beating him, then Zimmerman will have a very good chance of beating any charges (if he's even charged with anything).
The court might think that Zimmerman was using the best of judgment during the whole thing, but once it came to blows, Zimmerman certainly has a right to defend himself.
This whole case seems more like a surreal case of a complete misunderstanding that went beyond bad. Strange things go on in people's minds when adrenaline starts pumping.....