No Grand Jury Necessary, says Pros. Angela Corey
The special prosecutor for the Trayvon Martin case has decided not to use a grand jury in the death investigation, according to a release.
State Attorney Angela Corey said on Monday that the grand jury date, which was set to convene on Tuesday, was previously scheduled by the former prosecutor.
According to Corey's released, "the decision should not be considered a factor in the final determination of the case."
No Grand Jury in Trayvon Case
Angela Corey told The Miami Herald in an interview last month that she did not expect to need a grand jury, and would likely make the decision on whether or not to charge Zimmerman herself.
“I always lean towards moving forward without needing the grand jury in a case like this,” Corey said last month. “I foresee us being able to make a decision, and move on it on our own.”
On Monday, her office confirmed that no grand jury would be used in the case.
WFTV9 ~ Sources Say Zimmerman Arrest Could Happen This Week
SANFORD, Fla. —
Two sources told WFTV on Monday that gunman George Zimmerman could be arrested this week, and that a Grand Jury will not meet on Tuesday.
Zimmerman has been in hiding because of threats, after he shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. He claims he shot Martin in self-defense.
State Attorney Angela Corey said she will not use a Grand Jury to decide whether Zimmerman will be charged for killing Martin.
Meanwhile, lawyers for Zimmerman said if he is not charged, he will speak out.
Sanford Police Station Closed to Public
Sanford officials have shut down the Sanford Police Department to the public today after Trayvon Martin protesters blocked the entrance into the building.
Moments later, Phillip Agnew and Stephen Green, leaders of the Dream Defenders, were called into the Police Department after Special Prosecutor Angela Corey asked to speak with them over the phone.
Green, 19, of Orlando, exited police headquarters, saying Corey, state attorney in Duval, Clay and Nassau counties, told protest leaders the process was continuing.
*snip*
Agnew said the protesters likely will remain at the Police Department until 5 p.m.
Members of the U.S. Department of Justice also are at the scene observing the protesters.
CNN Transcript: Martin Savidge talking about Prosecutor and Protest
PHILLIPS: Anything happening behind you? Are the protests kind of getting word of what's just been announced and they are responding and, then, number two, tell me where we go from here?
SAVIDGE: Well, the first, they are just hearing it out of my lips, because no one else has been reporting this. So this is their first indication. They still have a number of members of this group that's protesting here that are blocking the doors, the entrance to the police department here. As a result, it appears that they are gathering around and giving some sort of statement. At the same time, though, the Sanford Police Department has stayed away. They have not tried to interfere. There has been no altercation, no confrontation. Instead, it appears they are going out of their way not to arrest anybody. They closed off the street in front of the police department here. There are also members from the department of justice, community services team, that are monitoring the circumstances as well. It has been very peaceful. People have been speaking, singing and praying and no arrests --
Martin Family Attorney Makes Statement
"We want to believe that this would be a positive sign that the prosecutor has enough information to arrest Trayvon Martin's killer," said Benjamin Crump, an attorney for the Martin family, moments after Corey released the news. "The family is really trying hard to be patient and have faith in the system."
Homeowner Association Liable for Zimmerman, says Businessweek
Under the heading "Neighborhood Watch," the newsletter's message recommended that residents first call police and then "please contact our Captain, George Zimmerman ... so he can be aware and help address the issue with other residents."
That seeming endorsement of Zimmerman exposes the 7-year-old association to possible legal action by Martin's parents, homeowners association attorneys said.
*snip*
"So, if you're going to send out a newsletter saying, `Hey, he is the captain. Whatever he says goes,' You have now basically rented a free police officer for your neighborhood," Clark said. "He certainly took on that role with the homeowners association, and it seems to me that they recognized that."
"I almost guarantee you there are going to be checks written," Clark said.
