Partial Sanford Police Reports Provide Support for Zimmerman's Story

The Sanford Police Department has released a partial police report today on the Trayvon Martin shooting. The police report largely corroborates George Zimmerman’s story. It states that the case against Zimmerman was initially described as a negligent homicide, “unnecessary killing to prevent unlawful act.” Six witnesses were apparently identified.

The victim, Trayvon Benjamin Martin, was described as 6′ and 160 lbs; the shooter, George Michael Zimmerman, was described as 5’9″. His weight was unspecified. According to the police report, on February 26, 2012, at about 7:17 p.m., Officer Ricardo Ayala was dispatched to 1111 Retreat View Cir. with regard to a complainant – presumably Zimmerman – spotting a suspicious person in the area. While en route, Ayala received information that shots had been fired. Upon Ayala’s arrival, Officer Timothy Smith had a “white male, later identified as George Zimmerman, in custody.”

Trayvon Martin, wearing a gray sweater, blue jeans, and white/red sneakers was lying face down on the ground. He had his hands “underneath his body.” No pulse was found on Martin, and CPR did not resuscitate him.

Officer Timothy Smith arrived after shots were fired as well. He observed “a white male, wearing a red jacket and blue jeans.” He also observed Martin lying face down in the grass. According to Smith:

Zimmerman stated that he had shot the subject and he was still armed. Zimmerman complied with all of my verbal commands and was secured in handcuffs. Located on the inside of Zimmerman’s waist band, I removed a black Kel Tek 9mm PF9 semi auto handgun and holster. While I was in such close contact with Zimmerman, I could observe that his back appeared to be wet and was covered in grass, as if he had been laying on his back on the ground. Zimmerman was also bleeding from the nose and back of his head.

Zimmerman was placed in the police car and give first aid. “I was yelling for someone to help me, but no one would help me,” Zimmerman told police.

So far, the evidence seems to line up with Zimmerman’s story, as do the police officers’ description of the physical evidence at the crime scene.