Special prosecutor: No grand jury for Trayvon Martin case

Last Updated 2:05 p.m. ET

(CBS News) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - State Attorney Angela Corey has decided not to use a grand jury in her investigation into the shooting death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.

The grand jury, scheduled by the case's previous prosecutor, was set to convene on April 10.

A statement released by her office said that the decision "should not be considered a factor in the final determination of the case."

Corey was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott last month to take over the investigation. At that time she said she may not need a grand jury.

Corey, the state attorney for the Jacksonville area, was appointed to take over the case after the local state attorney, Norman Wolfinger, recused himself.

Monday's statement said that the investigation continues, and declined further comment.

The decision to press charges now rests solely with Corey, whose reputation was to not present cases before grand juries if not required under state law. (In Florida grand juries are only required in cases of first-degree murder.)

In a statement, an attorney for the Martin family said it was "not surprised" by the announcement, but remained hopeful that a decision to arrest George Zimmerman will be reached soon.

"The family has been patient throughout this process and asks that those who support them do the same during this very important investigation," said attorney Benjamin Crump."

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Zimmerman, 28, has not been arrested in Martin's death, claiming self defense.

Students and alumni from several Florida universities marched through the streets of Sanford, Fla., Monday demanding an arrest, reports CBS News correspondent Susan McGinnis. The group, known as the Dream Defenders, made a three-day, 40-mile trek from Daytona to Sanford.

Protester Vanessa Baden told McGinnis, "To have a young man killed and 44 days later no one is arrested for that, it's proof positive the system is broke."

Protesters knelt in front of the Sanford Police department demanding justice for Martin. Demonstrators say they are prepared to be arrested for civil disobedience.

Zimmerman's friends and family believe he is innocent of any wrongdoing. But an attorney for Martin's family says Zimmerman should be put on trial.

"When you look at this evidence and evaluate it, I think the consensus is there must be an arrest in this case," said Martin family attorney Natalie Jackson.

[askagain]

So far, Zimmerman, Zimmerman's friends (black and White), the town of sanford, the local police, the police chief, and the district attorney have been discredited by the media and people demanding an arrest. What happens if State Attorney Angela Corey, the FBI, and the Justice Department fail to arrest Zimmerman for lack of evidence? Will this satisfy those who want an arrest if the system fails to arrest Zimmerman? Though, there will probably be an arrest if for no other reason than to satisfy the crowds that are demanding an arrest. This may be the new look of a modern day lynching.

[mick7744]

No...the "modern day lynching" already occurred...on February 26, 2012

Now it's just the LYNCHER trying to discredit the LYNCHEE...and whining about being persecuted by the media

And he has a valid point...if it weren't for the media outcry, George Zimmerman would have long since been back on patrol...bravely hunting for other miscreants in hoodies to shoot down if he decided that didn't like their looks

[askagain]

mick7744 - Why do you think Supreme Court Justices are appointed for life, Federal Judges are appointed and not elected, and there are strict and hard to meet requirements to amend the Constitution. The reasons are to prevent mob rule, popular rule, and people like you from changing the rules of conduct from day to day. Thankfully, the Founding Fathers had the wisdom to build safeguards into the system.

[hdc77494]

They can't risk a grand jury, Zimmerman mightnot be charged, and we can't have that, he's already been found guilty by the court of public opinion.

[reality_sanity]

Have you even read about the Republican special prosecutor appointed by Gov Scott -- she seldom uses grand juries for most cases. Grand Juries are only required for 1st degree murder cases in Florida. Remember State's rights AKA 10th Amendment? This case is still being handled under the laws of the state of Florida.

[totschlager]

Finally, someone brings up state's rights. So why then try to force the state to arrest a man that so far has been shown to use legal force? The law says you cannot arrest, so...stop crying about it. Then again, those who are mostly calling for an arrest believe Zimmerman stalked the young man with a loaded gun ready at hand. Saw him running away in fear but as the aggressive villain that he is, screamed out racial epithets and chased him down despite being over 100 lbs heavier. He pistol whipped him then shot him dead. Afterward, he was trying to find a way to plant a gun on him when he was seen by neighbors. His injuries are manufactured, he has no case. Hang 'im high!

[nfission]

Trayvon was murdered, pure and simple. I cannot believe Zimmerman still walks freely and has never arrested. Color notwithstanding, Zimmerman was wrong to follow Trayvon and incite a fight or suspicion in the mind of Trayvon. Trayvon assumed his life was in danger and he fought for his life which is what any of us would do if a stranger approached us with a gun. It was Trayvon who had a right to defend himself, he did nothing wrong, and in my opinion, and many others, I believe it was Trayvon who had the right to claim self-defense not Zimmerman who was armed and acted like a vigilante. Zimmerman killed an innocent kid and for what? What would his reason be? He should go to prison for killing Trayvon in cold blood.

[reality_sanity]

Not so Moderarte... there is evidence that besides initiating aggressive and threatening pursuit as observed by Trayvon Martin adn reported to Trayvon's girl friend. That George in fact initiated the first Physical Contact (after blocking Trayvon's retreat just 70' from the back door of the residence where Trayvon was staying) -- pushing Trayvon hard enough to cause him to drop his mobile phone that still had an open call. George had disconnected from his 911 call a minute earlier clearing his hands for use in what appears to be an anticipated physical confrontation.

[vsmit]

You seem to conveniently overlook the fact that Martin ATTACKED Zimmerman, leaving him with a bloody nose, cut on his head and scratches on his back. You cannot defend yourself in Florida by attacking someone.

[rainbowroosie]

Duke rape trial, Tawana Brawley, etc. why does everyone want to rush to a judgement???? Let the legal system work. NONE of you have any evidence. All you have are your opinions.

Only person alive who knows what went down is Zimmerman. All of the rest of us "think" we know what happened...Now that statement is a FACT!

[nfission]

robe59: Exactly right! Zimmerman started a fight and an innocent kid is dead, how can Zimmerman claim self-defense? How?

[askagain]

robe59,nfission - Neither of you are presenting facts. You are speculating on what happened. This case s being investigated to death yet there still hasn't been an arrest. Perhaps the facts don't conveniently support your speculations. And Zimmerman doesn't appear to be some rich person who might be able to buy his way out of the mess.

[Robby33383]

No Al Sharpton here!

Where is Obama and Jesse Jackson?

In Oklahoma last Tuesday, Bob and Nancy Strait, who had been married for 65 years, had their home broken into by a black teenager (Tyrone Woodfork) unarmed except for a BB gun. The teenager beat and raped the 85 year old Nancy Strait to death. Her husband, a veteran of the 101st Airborne in WW2, is in the hospital struggling to make it.

There will be no million hoodie march for Bob and Nancy, two mere white Americans. Their killer will have pro bono lawyers and innocence projects helping him until he's finally set free again.

Certainly Obama will make no statement on how Nancy Strait could have been his grandmother or how Bob Strait could have been that uncle who "liberated Auschwitz ". Bob and Nancy Strait won't get the screeching coverage that Trayvon Martin got about white racism because a Hispanic neighborhood watch captain shot a black teenager.

[reality_sanity]

The police are investigating the prosecutor has not claimed the perpetrators are innocent; in this case the legal system is working as designed. Where is the parallel to Sanford Florida? Where is the need to protest a public servant not serving the public? The Authors of the SYG law and the Governor that signed that law both refute the Sanford Police Chief's and Prosecutors inappropriate interpretation of the SYG law (assuming you accept the conservative original intent argument for interpreting law in this country.

[andie52]

Zimmerman has started a website for donations to pay his bills and lawyer's fees it's already down

[Rick03466]

I don't know what Happened and it is likely that the general public will never know the truth in this case. We have seen the media edit tapes to support the Martin was murdered for race case case (NBC with it's audio) We have seen ABC "Enhance" the Booking Video to show a head injury Zimmerman. Worse we have seen self serving politician's play this out the evils of "Stand Your Ground" when in any state in the Country the Claims (and at this moment they are only claims) make this an act of self defense even under laws that require a retreat. This family has lost their son no posturing by misery pimps , media shills or self serving politician on either side will given them closure restore their son or end their grief. So for all the parasitic fools using them to try to forward some cause please sit down and shut up. allow the investigation to go on. If it concludes with an answer that pleases no one it will probably be an accurate and honest one.

[reality_sanity]

Breitbart and his followers publish out of context fabrications every day and do not prejudice court cases. The fact that the actual transcript of the 911 was published before the inappropriate edit that was detected almost instantly defeats any propaganda value of the bad edit.

[reality_sanity]

by nuttyworld April 9, 2012 6:49 PM EDT
People need to disregard the call for civil disobedience and Spike and Roseanne's broadcasting of home address.

-----------

In terms of George's safety, it appears the "protesters" are allowing the legal system to decide the issue which is far less that George permitted for Trayvon.

[reality_sanity]

by Robby33383 April 9, 2012 6:17 PM EDT
Where is Obama and Jesse Jackson?

In Oklahoma last Tuesday, ...

------

DID the Police Chief and Prosecutor declare their attacker innocent of any crime? Where the Police Chief and Prosecutor taken off the case to find their attacker? If not what is the parallel top the Sanford and why would anyone consider protesting? The protest is based in the incompetence of the initial investigation -- not solely the death.

[freeamerica31]

The sad part of all this chatter that know one acknowledges is that it never had to happen.

George could have stayed by his vehicle to begin with and Trayvon could have left George alone. Both of them had opportunities to address each other in a respectful manner identifying themselves and acknowledging it was all a big mistake in identification.

Problem is in this day and age you can't trust anyone...what's that say about our society and communities at large. Get to know your neighbors and maybe this doesn't happen where you live.

[reality_sanity]

There are reports that indicate George may have started the physical violence by pushing Trayvon hard enough Trayvon dropped his mobile phone. George had ended his 911 call a minute earlier and his hands were free for a physical confrontation.