George Zimmerman Sues Trayvon Martin's Family for $100 Million

In 2012, George Zimmerman shot and killed 17 year old Trayvon Martin out of "self-defense." Zimmerman was a part of the neighborhood watch when allegedly he believed Martin was an armed threat. Due to self defense laws that allows the use of deadly force if someone believes they're in danger of being killed or seriously injured.

During his trial in 2013, Zimmerman was found not guilty on both charges of second degree murder and a lesser charge of manslaughter. The jury deliberated for 16.5 hours. Later, in 2016, Zimmerman sold the gun he used to shoot Martin for $250,000. He backed out of a previous deal for $150,000 essentially profiting off of the death of a teenager that he caused.

Now, Zimmerman is suing Trayvon Martin's family, their lawyer, friends and the state for $100 million. This lawsuit alleges that the key witness in the case, Brittany Diamond Eugene, Martin's girlfriend was coerced into making a statement implicating Zimmerman. Eugene was on the phone with Martin moments before the altercation with Zimmerman. Additionally, Zimmerman and his lawyers allege that Eugene's sister, Rachel Jeantel, impersonated Eugene in order to make a false statements to the police.

This case connects to both the rampant gun violence throughout the country as well as the topic of frivolous lawsuits. Had there been stricter gun laws, Zimmerman wouldn't have been able to kill Martin. While it's unknown whether he was truly defending himself, this lawsuit should be classified as frivolous. $100 million is a lot of money, and it's definitely much more compensation than necessary for whatever damages Zimmerman is claiming. He took the life of a young man, and is now looking to profit from that Martin's family, even after making hundreds of thousands off of the gun he used to kill Martin.

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-50671843
https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/13/justice/zimmerman-trial/index.html