More Rallies On Tap To Demand Justice In Trayvon Martin Murder
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Students, community leaders and activists will stage several marches and rallies Wednesday to demand justice in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.
Martin, 17, was gunned down February 26th while walking a gated Sanford community by self-appointed Neighborhood Watch captain George Zimmerman who claimed he shot the teen in self-defense. Citing the "Stand Your Ground" law, police did not charge Zimmerman in the shooting which sparked outrage and cries for justice across the nation.
The Concerned Haitian American Citizens for a Stronger Community (CHACSC) will hold a 'humanitarian march and rally' in support Martin and his family. Those taking part in the march, which begins at 5 p.m. at the Freedom Garden on North Miami Avenue, will demand the arrest of Zimmerman and the repeal of the state's "Stand Your Ground" law.
Students at Florida Atlantic University will gather at 5:30 p.m. at the Student Union on the Boca Raton campus for a March for Justice.
At the New Mount Olive Baptist Church, at 400 NW 9th Avenue in Ft. Lauderdale, there will be a Prayer Rally at 6:30 p.m. followed by a "Stand Your Ground" law forum. Dr. Marcus D. Davidson and legal professionals from Broward County will host the community forum.
In Dania Beach, a candle light vigil and rally for Martin will be held at C.W. Thomas Park, located at 800 NW 2nd Street, at 7 p.m.
U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who chaired a racial profiling hearing Tuesday in Washington D.C. which was attended by Martin's parents, said she expects up to 75,000 people to attend a rally for justice this Sunday afternoon at Bayfront Park.
CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald reports early in the investigation Sanford police did request an arrest warrant for Zimmerman from the Seminole County State Attorney's Office, according to Angela Corey, a special prosecutor assigned to case by Gov. Rick Scott.
An incident report on the shooting classified it as "homicide/negligent manslaughter."
Corey said police did file a capias (a request that charges be filed) with the State Attorney's Office.
The Seminole County State Attorney's Office declined to comment on whether its prosecutors ever recommended against filing charges.
This new development contradicts Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee's claim that there was no probable cause to arrest Zimmerman based on the "Stand Your Ground" statute.
Lee has temporarily stepped aside during the Martin investigation.
CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed to this report.
