George Zimmerman just filed a lawsuit against Trayvon Martin’s family and others for damages in excess of $100 million. Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer, was controversially acquitted in the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
Zimmerman’s Lawsuit
The lawsuit, which was filed in Polk County Circuit Court on Wednesday, cites information from a documentary about Zimmerman’s case “that accuses the Martin family of engineering false testimony.” Zimmerman is reportedly seeking “$100 million in civil damages, alleging defamation, abuse of civil process and conspiracy”. And he is being represented by Larry Klayman, the founder of conservative legal-rights group Judicial Watch.
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Zimmerman was volunteering for his local neighborhood watch in February of 2012 when he fatally shot Martin. Martin was an unarmed 17 year old who was staying in the gated townhouse community in Sanford, Florida. Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges in the case one year later. Much to the dismay of many Americans who wanted him behind bars for murder.
Zimmerman Names Martin’s Mother As Lead Defendant
Zimmerman’s lawsuit names the lead defendant as Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton. Fulton became a gun control advocate in the years since her son’s death. She’s currently running for a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission. At the time of the shooting, Martin was living with Fulton in Miami Gardens. He was only visiting his father in Sanford.
The Miami Herald reported that the lawsuit “presses the Zimmerman version of events, with allegations of efforts by the Martin family to produce a false narrative through dishonest accounts from witnesses.” It also accuses prosecutors who were involved in the case of engaging in alleged false prosecution.
Another defendant in the lawsuit is the publishing company Harper Collins. They published “Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People” which was written by lawyer Ben Crump. Crump, who represented the Martin family, is another defendant named in Zimmerman’s lawsuit.
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Martin Family Fires Back Through Crump
Crump has already fired back at the lawsuit. He issued a blistering statement on the behalf of himself and of Martin’s parents.
“I have every confidence that this unfounded and reckless lawsuit will be revealed for what it is — another failed attempt to defend the indefensible and a shameless attempt to profit off the lives and grief of others,” Crump said, according to The Hill.
“This plaintiff continues to display a callous disregard for everyone but himself, revictimizing individuals whose lives were shattered by his own misguided actions. He would have us believe that he is the innocent victim of a deep conspiracy, despite the complete lack of any credible evidence to support his outlandish claims.”
“This tale defies all logic, and it’s time to close the door on these baseless imaginings,” he concluded.
This case has been both messy and controversial from the very beginning. So, this lawsuit is sure to ignite a firestorm of epic proportions from all sides.
Regardless of whether you support Zimmerman or not, it will certainly be interesting to see what details come to light as this lawsuit moves forward.