Trayvon Martin Killed – Why is the killer not in jail?

By Rev. Harold E. Bailey, President & Founder of Probation Challenge                                

 

Over the past 35-plus-years, I’ve interacted with youth who are filtering through the criminal justice system. And in doing so, I’ve instructed them with the tools of education. I’ve taught them how to avoid the pitfalls of evil and, for the sake of avoiding an entanglement with the justice system – to just walk away!

As Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old student, sought to walk away from a demented person who sought only to cause trouble, he was shot to death! This apparent act of hatred was totally uncalled for, and stinks of blatant racism!

The world is monitoring these not-so-United-States and its un-pleasurable dispositions as it relates to African-Americans who have been abused, downtrodden, set-aside and subjected to other demeaning measures.

There is without doubt – as proven over the years – that there is a dual set of standards in this country with emphasis on Whites and lighter skin complexions coming out a winner.

By all accounts, Trayvon Martin who was returning to his place of residence was shot in a gated community in Sanford, Florida. But George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old neighborhood watch captain, said that he thought Martin looked suspicious as he walked home from a convenience store with only a package of Skittles and ice tea in hand.

Local law-enforcement persons are still pondering over whether to bring charges against Zimmerman who says he felt threaten; although this was disproved by earlier tapes telling him not to pursue the matter. Yet, Zimmerman continued to pursue the young man and did get involved. And in doing so, he created an act of aggression with intent to do bodily harm… which he did!  With a murder committed, what is the problem with the local police department? Why did they just literally take his word about what happened, did not arrest him or administer a drug or alcohol test? Reportedly, Martin was tested for drugs and alcohol.

What to do is not a question for thousands of people around the world. Zimmerman should be arrested and charged with murder! The world is watching the US, in more ways than a few!

However, there’s another question that comes to mind: If the circumstances were different and the defendant George Zimmerman was a Black man… would there be any question as to his going to jail, prison or the chair?

Rev. Harold E. Bailey is the President of Probation Challenge and the PCC Internet Broadcast Network, WWW.ProbationChallenge.org, ‘The Truth Network’