ABC has obtained a one-minute security video showing neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman exiting a patrol car outside the Sanford, Florida, police station, without any apparent facial bruises, cuts, or blood on his face. Wearing a black and red jacket, he’s stocky, with a shaved head, and he’s already in handcuffs as an officer removes him from the car.
The security footage is slightly distant from overhead and shows only the one angle, but Zimmerman does not appear to have a broken nose like his attorney, Craig Sonned, stated he suffered in an altercation with Trayvon Martin. And, to the naked eye, Zimmerman doesn’t present any bruises or marks. The police report says that “Zimmerman was also bleeding from the nose and back of his head.” According to ABC, Zimmerman was in good enough condition for questioning after receiving medical attention.
It’s possible that medical staff cleaned Zimmerman up so that any lacerations or bumps were not visible in the video. It’s also possible that there were never any bruises or marks in the first place. ABC reports that Zimmerman did not check into an emergency room following the police questioning.
A few days ago, the Orlando Sentinel provided Zimmerman’s account of the altercation that left 17-year-old Martin dead from a gun shot that Zimmerman said he fired in self-defense.
With a single punch, Trayvon Martin decked the Neighborhood Watch volunteer who eventually shot and killed the unarmed 17-year-old, then Trayvon climbed on top of George Zimmerman and slammed his head into the sidewalk, leaving him bloody and battered, law-enforcement authorities told the Orlando Sentinel.
That is the account Zimmerman gave police, and much of it has been corroborated by witnesses, authorities say. There have been no reports that a witness saw the initial punch Zimmerman told police about.
In his version of events, Zimmerman had turned around and was walking back to his SUV when Trayvon approached him from behind, the two exchanged words and then Trayvon punched him in the nose, sending him to the ground, and began beating him.
Investigator Chris Serino reportedly recommended that Zimmerman be charged with manslaughter. Charges were not filed, however, because Florida’s attorney’s office determined there wasn’t enough evidence to lead to a conviction. If charges are filed at some point, Zimmerman’s attorney will reportedly attempt to use Florida’s stand-your-ground law as a defense. A grand jury is set to convene on the matter on April 10.
This case is unfolding rapidly. This video is a glimpse into an important piece of the puzzle.
