ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — At least one police investigator wanted George Zimmerman to be charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin.
In a report released Thursday along with other evidence, the Sanford, Fla., detective told prosecutors that the fight between Zimmerman and Martin could have been avoided if Zimmerman had remained in his vehicle and awaited the arrival of law enforcement. He said Zimmerman, after leaving his vehicle, could have identified himself to Martin as a concerned citizen and talked to him instead of confronting him.
He said there is no evidence Martin was involved in any criminal activity. The officer’s name is not legible in the report.
Zimmerman was eventually charged with second-degree murder for the shooting of the 17-year-old Martin, who was unarmed. Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty, citing self-defense.
