Shock waves were sent up and down the nation as a Florida special prosecutor announced that the Trayvon Martin shooting will not be brought before a grand jury. Although the grand jury is scheduled to convene today, it will not hear evidence about the shooting of the 17-year-old high school student who was killed by 28-year-old George Zimmerman. In making the announcement, special prosecutor Angela Corey said her office was continuing to investigate the Feb. 26 shooting—which has resulted in no arrests. "The decision should not be considered a factor in the final determination of the case," her office said in a statement. By not using a grand jury, this leaves the decision whether or not to indict Zimmerman solely up to Corey.
Benjamin Crump, the lawyer for the Martin family, has reportedly said that he was not surprised by the announcement. Still hoping for Zimmerman to be charged and detained, Crump commented on the situation, saying, "The family has been patient throughout this process and asks that those who support them do the same during this very important investigation." There's been increased pressure for an indictment of Zimmerman, although his supporters claim that he fired upon the unarmed teen in self-defense. Yesterday, the Sanford, Florida police department was temporarily closed as a handful of protesters stood in solidarity with Martin, blocking the entryway, singing songs, and chanting the word, "Freedom."
A decision from Angela Corey could come down as early as this week.