Tag Archives: George Zimmerman

Zimmerman’s 911 transcripts released in ongoing investigation

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by ELLEN LEWIS

The 911 transcripts of George Zimmerman’s emergency phone call made prior to the shooting of Trayvon Martin were released this morning.

The public and media have criticized the Sanford Police Department because the tapes weren’t released earlier.

“Many times specific information is contained in those recordings which is vital to the integrity of the investigation,” said Chief Bill Lee.
According to the transcripts, Zimmerman called 911 to report a suspicious black male teenager in his residential community on Feb. 26.

“This guy looks like he’s up to no good, or he’s on drugs or something,” said Zimmerman to the dispatcher, “now he’s coming toward me.”

Zimmerman was a part of a neighborhood watch program, and was concerned due to recent break-ins in the neighborhood. He told dispatcher that he was following the individual so he didn’t get away until responding officers arrived.

It was after the 911 call that dispatch received reports of shots being fired in the same area, according to the police report.

Upon arriving at the scene officers found 17-year -old Martin facedown shot on the ground and Zimmerman armed.
According to the police report, responding officer Ricardo Ayala reported that Zimmerman’s back appeared to be wet and covered with grass, as if he had been lying on the ground and was also bleeding from his nose and back of his head.
Zimmerman was not arrested because he stated that he acted in self-defense, which at the time was supported by physical evidence, said Chief Lee.

Teenager Found Shot After Suspicious Activity Reported

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by: Evelyn Call

Sanford, Fl.–Police were dispatched to a local apartment complex on Monday, Feb. 26, after George Zimmerman, a resident, reported suspicious activity in the area.  Upon arrival, authorities discovered an African American teenager, Trayvon Martin, shot dead.   Police questioned Zimmerman in connection with the shooting.

Zimmerman placed a 911 call to report an African American teenager behaving strangely in the neighborhood.  He reported that the suspect, later identified as Martin, seemed to be “on drugs,” according to Zimmerman.  In transcripts of the 911 call released yesterday, Zimmerman attempted to follow the suspect but was advised by dispatch to stop and wait for authorities.

According to police reports, upon arrival, police found Martin face down and non-responsive, with apparent gun shot wounds.  Zimmerman also found at the scene, in possession of a handgun.  Police questioned Zimmerman but did not arrest him at the time of the incident.   According to a brief written by city manager, Norton Bonaparte, Jr., the physical evidence supported Zimmerman’s claims that he shot the teen in self-defense.  Zimmerman was in legal possession of the firearm.

Police and paramedics attempted to revive Martin on the scene but were unable.  He was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m.  Authorities questioned witnesses in the area and the investigation is ongoing.  Police will continue to monitor the situation to determine whether or not Zimmerman acted in self-defense like he claimed.