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Posted: 11:18 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2012
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SANFORD, Fla. —
Two sources told WFTV on Monday that gunman George Zimmerman could be arrested this week, and that a grand jury will not meet on Tuesday.
Zimmerman has been in hiding because of threats, after he shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. He claims he shot Martin in self-defense.
Jacksonville State Attorney Angela Corey has the sole authority to determine whether Zimmerman will be charged for killing Martin.
Governor Rick Scott put Corey in charge of the case late last month amid concerns that State Attorney Norm Wolflinger wouldn't do a thorough and fair investigation.
"You've got to make sure justice prevails. I'm comfortable that the State Attorney Angela Corey will make that happen," Scott said.
In Florida, first-degree murder cases must be heard by a grand jury, which means Corey can only charge Zimmerman with third-degree murder, second-degree murder or manslaughter.
However, because Zimmerman fired his gun and Martin died, which means Zimmerman could still face life in prison without parole, WFTV found out.
Natalie Jackson is one of the attorneys representing Martin's family and told WFTV she wasn't surprised by Corey's decision.
"We believe justice dictates that he will be charged," said Jackson. "If justice and the procedures were followed, then yes, all of this could've been avoided."
Zimmerman's attorneys said he's protected by the state's 'stand your ground' law.
Andrea Black said she has tried dozens of death penalty cases, and just defended a client in a stand your ground case.
"It's unreasonable to think that Mr. Zimmerman had any right to be afraid. The kid was unarmed," said Black.
In a statement to WFTV, Corey said that her decision "should not be considered a factor in the final determination of the case. At this time, the investigation continues."
Meanwhile, lawyers for Zimmerman said if he is not charged, he will speak out.
Both of Zimmerman's lawyers, Hal Uhrig and Craig Sooner, were on a national morning talk show on Monday.
The attorneys said they know and recognize the Martin family is going through a lot of pain and grief.
Uhrig said both Sanford and state officials followed proper procedure on Florida's self-defense laws.
The attorneys said if Zimmerman is charged, he will remain quiet until everything is over.
Also on Monday, dozens of protestors camped outside of the Sanford Police Department, WFTV learned.
It was a peaceful protest, and no arrests were made.
College students from across Florida were chanting and flashing signs, demanding the arrest of Zimmerman.
Protesters were blocking the steps by the sidewalk and the front door to the police department.
One of the protesters who spoke to Corey on Monday said she was non-committal on which way the case would go, but she assured the protesters she was working hard to make sure justice prevails.
The protesters from colleges around Florida sat side-by-side wearing hoodies and blocking the public entrance to the Sanford police headquarters.
Some of the protesters were calling themselves the "Dream Defenders."
"[There will be] a holding of a forum next Thursday, April 19, for the community of Sanford to speak directly with their city manager," said protestor Ciara Taylor.
The protesters are pushing for an independent citizens review board as police watchdog, but they also want Zimmerman to be arrested.
The protesters said they spoke with Corey on the phone.
"She didn't give us much detail, but hinted that something would be coming very shortly. So we are excited by that," said another protester.
City Manager Norton Bonaparte commended the protesters.
"We want to use this, as tragic as it is, to make our community a better community. So, I commend the students for coming here. I certainly see the dedication and their seriousness," said Bonaparte.
The station was closed for the day, and officials said it did not have a big effect on emergency calls since the protest is not near the parking lot.
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