Jump to content

George Zimmerman: Difference between revisions

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→Media perceptions: AP demand halt on sale of painting by subject alleging it is direct copy of cp protected photo
Line 54: Line 54:
Zimmerman was satirized in the ''[[South Park]]'' episode "[[World War Zimmerman]]" which premiered on Comedy Central in the United States on October 9, 2013.<ref>[http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s17e03-world-war-zimmerman "World War Zimmerman"]. South Park Studios.</ref> It parodies [[World War Z]] and the George Zimmerman murder trials. One critic called it "great social commentary".<ref>{{cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Max|title=South Park: "World War Zimmerman" review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/10/south-park-world-war-zimmerman-review|work=[[IGN]]|accessdate=October 20, 2013}}</ref> Conversely, [[Jack Cashill]], author of ''If I Had A Son: Race, Guns, and the Railroading of George Zimmerman'', criticized "World War Zimmerman". He wrote that ''South Park'' "had it absolutely wrong" and felt that it was "really a shame because they are one of the few sources of common sense in the mainstream media".<ref name=WND>{{cite web|last=Staff|title='South Park' just 'wrong' about Zimmerman|url=http://www.wnd.com/2013/10/south-park-just-wrong-about-zimmerman/|publisher=[[WorldNetDaily]]|accessdate=October 20, 2013}}</ref>
Zimmerman was satirized in the ''[[South Park]]'' episode "[[World War Zimmerman]]" which premiered on Comedy Central in the United States on October 9, 2013.<ref>[http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s17e03-world-war-zimmerman "World War Zimmerman"]. South Park Studios.</ref> It parodies [[World War Z]] and the George Zimmerman murder trials. One critic called it "great social commentary".<ref>{{cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Max|title=South Park: "World War Zimmerman" review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/10/south-park-world-war-zimmerman-review|work=[[IGN]]|accessdate=October 20, 2013}}</ref> Conversely, [[Jack Cashill]], author of ''If I Had A Son: Race, Guns, and the Railroading of George Zimmerman'', criticized "World War Zimmerman". He wrote that ''South Park'' "had it absolutely wrong" and felt that it was "really a shame because they are one of the few sources of common sense in the mainstream media".<ref name=WND>{{cite web|last=Staff|title='South Park' just 'wrong' about Zimmerman|url=http://www.wnd.com/2013/10/south-park-just-wrong-about-zimmerman/|publisher=[[WorldNetDaily]]|accessdate=October 20, 2013}}</ref>


==Paintings==
⚫
In January 2014 it was reported that the [[Associated Press]] had demanded that Zimmerman halt the sale of one of his paintings because the news agency said it directly copies an AP photo. The photo, and painting, shows Jacksonville-based prosecutor Angela Corey holding her thumb and fingers together. Zimmerman apparently made up a quote that he added to the painting that reads, “I have this much respect for the American judicial system.” Corey’s office prosecuted Zimmerman for the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ap-says-zimmerman-painting-is-copy-of-ap-photo/2014/01/24/c64f587a-8534-11e3-a273-6ffd9cf9f4ba_story.html?hpid=z4|title= AP says Zimmerman painting is copy of AP photo
In December 2013, Zimmerman began selling original paintings. His first painting of an American flag sold for $100,099.99 on Ebay in late December.<ref name=waxman>{{cite web |url=http://newsfeed.time.com/2014/01/24/george-zimmermans-paintings-a-critical-appraisal/ |title=George Zimmerman’s Paintings: A Critical Appraisal |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |author=[[Olivia B. Waxman]] |date=January 24, 2014 |accessdate=January 25, 2014}}</ref> His work was not received well by art critics. Art critic Andrew Russeth of ''[[New York Observer]]'' said "It looks like someone is doing paint by number."<ref name=waxman/> Jason Edward, a contributing editor at ''[[Art+Auction]]'', said "It's very primitive, the sort of thing an art critic wouldn't look at twice."<ref name=waxman/> [[Christian Viveros-Faune]], art critic for the ''[[Village Voice]]'', said Zimmerman's work is comparable to [[murderabilia]] by artists such as serial killer [[John Wayne Gacy]] and cult leader [[Charles Manson]].<ref name=waxman/> Zimmerman defended his work, saying "I found a creative, way to express myself, my emotions and the symbols that represent my experiences. My art work allows me to reflect, providing a therapeutic outlet and allows me to remain indoors :-)".<ref name=waxman/>
|publisher= Washington Post|date=January 24, 2014 }}</ref>

⚫
In January 2014, it was reported that the [[Associated Press]] had demanded that Zimmerman halt the sale of one of his paintings because the news agency said it directly copies an AP photo. The photo, and painting, shows Jacksonville-based prosecutor Angela Corey holding her thumb and fingers together. Zimmerman apparently made up a quote that he added to the painting that reads, "I have this much respect for the American judicial system." Corey’s office prosecuted Zimmerman for the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ap-says-zimmerman-painting-is-copy-of-ap-photo/2014/01/24/c64f587a-8534-11e3-a273-6ffd9cf9f4ba_story.html?hpid=z4|title= AP says Zimmerman painting is copy of AP photo |publisher= Washington Post|date=January 24, 2014 }}</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==

Revision as of 16:16, 25 January 2014

For the mayor of Buffalo, New York, see George J. Zimmermann.

George Zimmerman
Born
George Michael Zimmerman

(1983-10-05) October 5, 1983 (age 41)
Manassas, Virginia, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Criminal chargeSecond-degree murder
Criminal statusNot guilty

George Michael Zimmerman (born October 5, 1983) is an American known for the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012, in Sanford, Florida. On July 13, 2013, his trial for second-degree murder and manslaughter ended in acquittal.

Biography

Zimmerman was born on October 5, 1983, in Manassas, Virginia, and is the son of Gladys (née Mesa) Zimmerman and Robert Zimmerman, Sr.[2] Zimmerman is the third of four children and his siblings include a brother, Robert Jr., and two sisters, Grace and Dawn.[3][4] Gladys Zimmerman was born in Peru and has some black ancestry through her Afro-Peruvian maternal grandfather.[3] Robert Zimmerman, Sr. is an American of German descent and served 22 years in the military working for the Department of Defense for the last 10 years of his military career. Before retiring to Florida in 2002, Zimmerman, Sr. had served as a magistrate in Fairfax County's 19th Judicial District.[3][5][6][7] George Zimmerman's voter registration record lists him as a Democrat and a Hispanic.[8][9]

Zimmerman was raised as a Catholic and served as an altar boy from age 7 to 17. Zimmerman attended All Saints Catholic School in Manassas before going to public high school.[6] At age 14, Zimmerman joined an after-school Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program because he had wanted to become a Marine.[3] When Zimmerman was 15 years old, he held three part-time jobs on nights and weekends to save up for a car. Zimmerman graduated from Osbourn High School in 2001.[3][6]

Move to Florida

After graduating from high school, Zimmerman moved to Lake Mary, Florida where he got a job at an insurance agency. Zimmerman took classes at night to obtain a license to sell insurance. It was during this time when he became friends with Lee Ann Benjamin, a real estate agent, and her husband John Donnelly, a Sanford attorney.[3] Benjamin and Donnelly would both later testify on his behalf at his trial in the death of Martin.[10] [11] According to Donnelly, in 2004 Zimmerman and an African-American friend opened a satellite office of Allstate insurance which eventually failed a year later.

Move to Retreat at Twin Lakes in Sanford

Zimmerman married Shellie Dean, a licensed cosmetologist in 2007 and, two years later, they rented a townhouse in the Retreat at Twin Lakes. Zimmerman had also previously been employed at a car dealership and a mortgage audit firm.[3][4] Zimmerman enrolled in Seminole State College in 2009 and was working on an associate degree in criminal justice. In December 2011 he was allowed to participate in a school graduation ceremony, even though he was a course credit shy of his degree. He was completing that credit at the time of the shooting. Zimmerman was employed as an insurance underwriter at that time also.[3][4][12]

In early 2011, Zimmerman participated in a citizen forum at the Sanford City Hall, to protest the beating of a black homeless man by the son of a white Sanford police officer. During the meeting, Zimmerman claimed he witnessed "disgusting behavior" while in ride-along program with local police; however the police department said it did not know when, if ever, Zimmerman was in that program.[13][14]

Trayvon Martin shooting and trial

George Zimmerman, 2012
Main articles: Shooting of Trayvon Martin and State of Florida v. George Zimmerman

On February 26, 2012, Zimmerman fatally shot 17-year-old African American high school student Trayvon Martin in The Retreat at Twin Lakes community in Sanford, Florida.[3] Zimmerman was the neighborhood watch coordinator for the gated community where Martin was temporarily staying and where the shooting occurred.[15][16][17] The Twin Lakes Neighborhood Watch program was not registered with the National Neighborhood Watch Program, but was administered by the local police department.[18] Following an earlier call from Zimmerman, police arrived within two minutes of a gunshot during an altercation in which Zimmerman fatally shot Martin, who did not possess any weapons. Zimmerman was subsequently taken into custody, treated for head injuries, then questioned for five hours. The police chief said that Zimmerman was released because there was no evidence to refute Zimmerman's claim of having acted in self-defense, and that under Florida's Stand Your Ground statute, the police were prohibited by law from making an arrest.[19] The police chief also said that Zimmerman had had a right to defend himself with lethal force.[20] As news of the case spread, thousands of protestors across the country called for Zimmerman's arrest and a full investigation.[21] Six weeks after the shooting, amid widespread, intense, and in some cases misleading media coverage,[22][23] Zimmerman was charged with murder by a special prosecutor appointed by Governor Rick Scott.[24]

Zimmerman's trial began on June 10, 2013, in Sanford. On July 13, 2013, a jury acquitted Zimmerman of the charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter.[25]

Other encounters with police

Beyond the 2012 Martin shooting, Zimmerman has had other encounters with the law, including two incidents in 2005, and five incidents in 2013.[26]

In July of 2005, when he was 21, Zimmerman was arrested after shoving an undercover alcohol-control agent while a friend of Zimmerman's was being arrested for underage drinking. The officer alleged that Zimmerman had said, "I don't care who you are," followed by a profanity, and had refused to leave the area after the officer had shown their badge.[27] The charges were subsequently dropped when Zimmerman entered a pre-trial diversion program that included anger-management classes.[3][28] Also in 2005, Zimmerman's ex-fiancée filed a restraining order against him, alleging domestic violence. Zimmerman requested a reciprocal restraining order. Both orders were granted.[3][29] These incidents were raised by prosecutors at Zimmerman's initial bond hearing. The judge described them as "run of the mill."[30][31]

On September 9, 2013, in Lake Mary, Florida, police responded to a 911 call by Zimmerman's estranged wife, who reported that Zimmerman had threatened her and her father with a gun and had punched her father in the face. Zimmerman was briefly detained and questioned by police.[32] No gun was found at the scene. Police took a broken iPad from the scene for examination of a video recording of the incident to determine whether to press charges against either Zimmerman or his wife.[33] His wife declined to press charges and said that she had not actually seen a gun but had assumed Zimmerman had had a gun from his stance and the way he was putting his hand in his shirt. She said, in a subsequent interview on the Today show, "In hindsight I should've [pressed charges], and I really regret that, but I'm on probation and the officers made it very clear that day if I pressed charges we were all going to go to jail and I would've been the only one to stay there."[34] After determining that the iPad video could not be recovered, the Lake Mary police department announced they would not be pressing charges against Zimmerman, his wife, or her father.[35]

On November 18, 2013, Zimmerman's girlfriend called the police alleging that after she had asked Zimmerman to leave her home, he had pointed a shotgun at her and begun breaking her belongings.[36] When the police arrived on the scene and met her outside, Zimmerman initially would not let them inside or speak with them and instead called 911 himself, saying that he had nothing to say to the police and just wanted "everyone to know the truth".[37][38] The police subsequently reported that Zimmerman had barricaded himself inside the apartment before they had made their way inside and arrested him.[39] He was charged with aggravated assault with a weapon – a felony – as well as domestic violence battery and criminal mischief.[38][40] Zimmerman was initially represented by Seminole County public defenders, who said that he was indigent with about $2.5 million in debt,[41][42] but he subsequently retained the services of Jayne Weintraub, a south Florida attorney who had done legal commentary on cable television.[43] On December 6, Zimmerman's girlfriend said in an affidavit filed with the court by Zimmerman's attorney that she believed the police had misinterpreted her and that she may have misstated certain facts when she had earlier called the police to report Zimmerman.[44] She asked that the charges against Zimmerman be dropped and that the restraining order barring him from seeing her be lifted, after which prosecutors said that they would no longer be pursuing a case against him.[45]

Media perceptions

Zimmerman gained 100 to 125 pounds in about a 16 month period, between the shooting of Trayvon Martin and the trial.[46] He weighed over 300 pounds at the trial.[47] It became a source of commentary and speculation in the press on how it might impact the jury's perceptions.[47][48][49][50][51]

Zimmerman was satirized in the South Park episode "World War Zimmerman" which premiered on Comedy Central in the United States on October 9, 2013.[52] It parodies World War Z and the George Zimmerman murder trials. One critic called it "great social commentary".[53] Conversely, Jack Cashill, author of If I Had A Son: Race, Guns, and the Railroading of George Zimmerman, criticized "World War Zimmerman". He wrote that South Park "had it absolutely wrong" and felt that it was "really a shame because they are one of the few sources of common sense in the mainstream media".[54]

Paintings

In December 2013, Zimmerman began selling original paintings. His first painting of an American flag sold for $100,099.99 on Ebay in late December.[55] His work was not received well by art critics. Art critic Andrew Russeth of New York Observer said "It looks like someone is doing paint by number."[55] Jason Edward, a contributing editor at Art+Auction, said "It's very primitive, the sort of thing an art critic wouldn't look at twice."[55] Christian Viveros-Faune, art critic for the Village Voice, said Zimmerman's work is comparable to murderabilia by artists such as serial killer John Wayne Gacy and cult leader Charles Manson.[55] Zimmerman defended his work, saying "I found a creative, way to express myself, my emotions and the symbols that represent my experiences. My art work allows me to reflect, providing a therapeutic outlet and allows me to remain indoors :-)".[55]

In January 2014, it was reported that the Associated Press had demanded that Zimmerman halt the sale of one of his paintings because the news agency said it directly copies an AP photo. The photo, and painting, shows Jacksonville-based prosecutor Angela Corey holding her thumb and fingers together. Zimmerman apparently made up a quote that he added to the painting that reads, "I have this much respect for the American judicial system." Corey’s office prosecuted Zimmerman for the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.[56]

Notes

  1. ^ Zimmerman's weight was shown as 185 pounds (84 kg) on his Seminole County Sheriff's Office Inmate Booking Information on April 11, 2012, the date of his arrest.[1]

References

  1. ^ Seminole County Sheriff's Office, "Zimmerman, George Michael", Inmate Booking Information, Public Version, 4/11/2012 20:10. (PDF from Central Florida News 13) (from BBC News)
  2. ^ "Trayvon Martin Shooting Fast Facts". CNN. June 25, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Francescani, Chris (April 25, 2012). "George Zimmerman: Prelude to a shooting". Reuters. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c Weiner, Jeff (March 20, 2012). "Trayvon Martin: Who is crime-watch volunteer George Zimmerman". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  5. ^ Boedeker, Hal (February 16, 2013). "George Zimmerman: Brother says Sanford's history adds to furor". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  6. ^ a b c Roig-Franzia, Manuel (March 22, 2012). "Who is George Zimmerman?". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 17, 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "Trayvon Martin case: George Zimmerman's brother defends him as his father attacks Obama". Daily Mail. London. April 5, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  8. ^ Gamboa, Suzanne (March 29, 2012). "Florida shooter's race a complicated matter". Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
  9. ^ Connor, Adam Sheets (March 27, 2012). "Voting Form Shows George Zimmerman Is A Registered Democrat, Confounding Message Pushed By Left". International Business Times. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  10. ^ Roig-Franzia, Manuel (July 8, 2013). "George Zimmerman trial continues to focus on 911 call". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  11. ^ "Judge rules defense can show Trayvon Martin died with marijuana in his system". Fox News. July 8, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  12. ^ Robles, Frances (August 9, 2012). "Records show George Zimmerman got D's in criminal justice classes". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  13. ^ Thuman, Scott (May 24, 2012). "Zimmerman publicly accused Sanford police of corruption in 2011". Washington, DC: WJLA-TV. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  14. ^ Robles, Frances (May 23, 2012). "George Zimmerman: In 2010, lazy Sanford police engaged in coverup". Miami Herald. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  15. ^ Prieto, Bianca (March 14, 2012). "Trayvon Martin: 'We are gathered here today to demand justice' in teen's fatal shooting". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  16. ^ Hamacher, Brian. "George Zimmerman Makes First Appearance Before Judge". NBC Miami. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  17. ^ Robertson, Campbell; Schwartz, John (March 22, 2012). "Trayvon Martin death spotlights neighborhood watch groups". The New York Times. Retrieved June 23, 2012.
  18. ^ "NSA Statement on the NW Tragedy in FL". National Sheriff's Association. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
  19. ^ Robles, Frances (March 27, 2012). "Sanford cops sought warrant to arrest George Zimmerman in Trayvon Martin shooting". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  20. ^ Lee, Trymaine (March 22, 2012). "Trayvon Martin Case: Police Chief Bill Lee Under Fire With 'No Confidence' Vote". Huffington Post. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  21. ^ "From coast to coast, protestors demand justice in Trayvon Martin case". CNN. March 27, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  22. ^ Moore, Frazier (April 7, 2012). "NBC Fires Producer Of Misleading Zimmerman Tape". Huffington Post. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  23. ^ "Third Person Exits NBC Over Misleading Edit Of Zimmerman's 911 Audio". Deadline.com. May 12, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  24. ^ McClam, Erin (June 10, 2013). "Potential Trayvon Martin case jurors get look at defendant George Zimmerman". NBC News. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  25. ^ Campo, Arian (July 14, 2013). "Jury Acquits Zimmerman of All Charges". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  26. ^ "A list of George Zimmerman's past run-ins with the law". Associated Press. November 18, 2013. Archived from the original on November 19, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
  27. ^ "Zimmerman's past brush with law enforcement". NBC News. March 30, 2012.
  28. ^ "George Zimmerman's wife testifies at bond hearing: 'He is absolutely not a violent person'". CBS News. Associate Press. April 20, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  29. ^ "Zimmerman accused of domestic violence, fighting with a police officer". U.S. News. NBC News. March 27, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  30. ^ "Zimmerman apologizes as judge sets $150,000 bond". CNN. April 20, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  31. ^ Fausset, Richard (April 20, 2012). "George Zimmerman apologizes to Trayvon Martin family; bond is set". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  32. ^ Kuo, Vivian (September 10, 2013). "George Zimmerman detained". CNN. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  33. ^ "iPad video key in George Zimmerman domestic dispute case with estranged wife". The Washington Post. Associated Press. September 12, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  34. ^ Stump, Scott (September 26, 2013). "George Zimmerman's wife: 'I have doubts but I also believe the evidence'". Today News.
  35. ^ Goldstein, Sasha (November 14, 2013). "George Zimmerman's father-in-law taunted acquitted killer during domestic spat: 'What are you going to do, shoot me?'". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
  36. ^ Schneider, Mike (Associated Press) (November 18, 2013). "George Zimmerman Charged With Assault, Battery". ABC News. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  37. ^ Collette, Christopher (November 19, 2013). "George Zimmerman arrested following domestic dispute with girlfriend in Seminole County". WTSP 10 News (Tampa Bay, FL).
  38. ^ a b "George Zimmerman arrested in Florida after allegedly pointing gun at girlfriend". CNN. November 18, 2013. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  39. ^ Stanglin, Doug; Bacon, John; Winter, Michael (November 18, 2013). "Zimmerman accused of pointing shotgun at girlfriend". USA Today.
  40. ^ Stutzman, Rene (November 18, 2013). "George Zimmerman arrested, accused of pointing shotgun at girlfriend". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  41. ^ Ng, Christina (November 19, 2013). "George Zimmerman Must Give Up Guns to Get Out of Jail". ABC News. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
  42. ^ George Zimmerman Posts Bond And Is Released From Jail
  43. ^ "George Zimmerman drops public defender, asks for return of knife & phones". Orlando Sentinel. Orlando Sentinel. November 25, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  44. ^ http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/09/justice/george-zimmerman-girlfriend/
  45. ^ Curt Anderson (December 11, 2013). "Prosecutor: no domestic charges against Zimmerman". Associated Press. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  46. ^ Piers Morgan (May 28, 2013). "Mark O'Mara on his client George Zimmerman: "He's gained an enormous amount of weight"". CNN. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  47. ^ a b Sasha Goldstein (April 30, 2013). "George Zimmerman gains more than 100 pounds since fatally shooting Trayvon Martin". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  48. ^ "Will Zimmerman's Weight Impact Trial?". Fox News. June 10, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  49. ^ Makenzie Bowker (June 8, 2013). "What's behind George Zimmerman's weight gain?". HLN TV. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  50. ^ Brittney R. Villalva (June 26, 2013). "George Zimmerman Weight: Gains 120 Pounds as Defense Tactic? (VIDEO)". Christian Post. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  51. ^ Joe Coscarelli (May 1, 2013). "George Zimmerman Gained Some Serious Weight". Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  52. ^ "World War Zimmerman". South Park Studios.
  53. ^ Nicholson, Max. "South Park: "World War Zimmerman" review". IGN. Retrieved October 20, 2013.
  54. ^ Staff. "'South Park' just 'wrong' about Zimmerman". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved October 20, 2013.
  55. ^ a b c d e Olivia B. Waxman (January 24, 2014). "George Zimmerman's Paintings: A Critical Appraisal". Time. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  56. ^ "AP says Zimmerman painting is copy of AP photo". Washington Post. January 24, 2014.

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_Zimmerman&oldid=592340344"