Should Trayvon Martin's killer be charged with a hate crime?

A young girl in a hoodie holds a sign at a rally for Trayvon Martin at Freedom Plaza in Washington, Saturday, March 24, 2012. (Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press) The U.S. Justice Department could bring a hate crime charge against the man who shot and killed Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.

George Zimmerman, 28, fatally shot the black 17-year-old on Feb. 26 while on a neighbourhood watch shift in Sanford, Fla.

Martin was returning to his father's house from a convenience store with a bag of Skittles candy and a can of iced tea when the shooting took place. Martin was not armed.
Zimmerman claims Martin attacked him as he was walking back to his truck, according to police.

So far, Zimmerman has not been charged with any crime. He is claiming self-defence under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, which eliminates a person's duty to retreat when threatened with serious bodily harm or death. There have been suggestions the killing was racially motivated. If prosecutors can find sufficient evidence that it was, Zimmerman could be charged with a hate crime.

The hate crimes law carries a potential life prison sentence when a death is involved.

Do you think George Zimmerman should be charged with a hate crime? Why or why not? If not, do you think he should be charged at all? Share your thoughts on this story in the comments field below.


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