re: #606 goddamnedfrank

What was the probable cause, described at the scene, that Zimmerman’s use of force wasn’t lawful?

The only way that Zimmerman could use legally use deadly force was that the deadly force was required to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. The cops on the scene saw a 250 pound adult who was uninjured (or perhaps very slightly injured) and a dead minor who weighed about 100 pounds less and was unarmed with no obvious signs of a struggle other than the gunshot wound.

Without some evidence that Zimmerman’s life was in imminent danger the use of deadly force was suspect and that is probable cause for arrest. If the cops show up and Zimmerman is beat up all to hell and clothes are torn and ripped and there are serious wounds, then sure. But there was no evidence of imminent death or great bodily harm at all.