Trayvon Martin case: Was George Zimmerman hurt? If so, how badly?
With George Zimmerman promising to turn himself in if requested by authorities, the public -- and the media -- are debating the extent of the injuries he suffered on the night that Trayvon Martin was shot.
Zimmerman, 28, a neighborhood watch captain in Sanford, Fla., says he fired on the unarmed 17-year-old in self-defense after he was punched in the nose, knocked down, and had the back of his head slammed against the ground.
Surveillance video shot as a handcuffed Zimmerman was brought to the Sanford Police Department headquarters did not appear to show any injuries or bruising, leading some to question Zimmerman’s self-defense claim.
However, CNN used its editing bay to enhance that video -- you can watch it above. In the enhanced stretch of footage, it does appear that some bruising and redness can be seen on the back of Zimmerman’s head.
No doubt, the video will be a key piece of evidence used by both sides in what could be a looming legal battle.
The fatal shooting has become a racially charged case captivating the nation. Multiple probes of the shooting and its aftermath are underway, and a Seminole County grand jury is scheduled to convene April 10 to hear evidence.
Zimmerman has maintained a low profile in the wake of the Feb. 26 shooting, with the local media describing him as being “in hiding” after being subjected to death threats.
His attorney, however, rejected that description. He said Zimmerman was ready and willing to come forward at law enforcement’s request.
“If he’s charged, he will be arrested and he will turn himself in,” Zimmerman’s attorney, Craig Sonner, told Reuters. “However it goes, he’s not hiding from the authorities. If he is asked, he will turn himself in. There’s not going to be a manhunt or anything like that.”
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