Watch CBS News

New Sanford Police Chief Promises Full Review Of Martin Case

SANFORD (CBSMiami/AP) — Sanford's new interim police chief is on the job and said Friday he'll conduct an "A to Z" review following fallout from the Trayvon Martin shooting case.

Chief Rick Myers said Friday he wants to help heal the emotional wounds caused by the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in February by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman. He says he will reach out to people in Sanford who feel they've been ignored by the police. He wants to work to build relationships with residents who don't trust the police and he said there's no time to waste.

"We have a chance here in Sanford to make something good out of something bad. We have a chance to draw strength and energy in memory and honor of a young man whose life ended so unexpectedly," said Myers.

Myers was appointed the interim police chief until city officials decide the future of former Police Chief Bill Lee.

Lee stepped aside on a temporary basis after Martin's death to let emotions cool down.

Authorities say 17-year-old Martin died during a fight with Zimmerman, who claims self-defense and has pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.