February 5 1995 Trayvon Martin Is Born

The Devastating Shooting of Trayvon Martin: A Timeline of Events

February 5, 1995: Trayvon Martin is Born

On February 5, 1995, Trayvon Benjamin Martin was born in Miami Gardens, Florida.

February 26, 2012: The Fatal Night

At approximately 7:00 pm on February 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African-American high school junior, was fatally shot in Sanford, Florida, by George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old Hispanic neighborhood watch captain.

Events Leading to the Shooting

Zimmerman had called the Sanford Police Department non-emergency line to report a suspicious person, later identified as Martin, walking through his gated community. Martin was returning from a convenience store where he had bought a bag of Skittles and a can of iced tea.

The Shooting

According to Zimmerman's account, he followed Martin out of concern for his safety. A confrontation ensued, during which Zimmerman claims Martin attacked him, causing him to fear for his life and leading him to shoot Martin in self-defense. However, there were no witnesses to the shooting, and Martin's family and supporters disputed Zimmerman's account.

Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

* **March 2012:** Zimmerman was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. * **July 2013:** Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges by a jury. * **October 2013:** The U.S. Department of Justice investigated the shooting and concluded there was no prosecutable violation of Martin's civil rights.

Legacy of Trayvon Martin

Trayvon Martin's death sparked nationwide protests and outrage, becoming a symbol of racial profiling and police brutality. His case played a significant role in the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Conclusion

Trayvon Martin's tragic death remains a poignant reminder of the deep-seated racial biases and injustices that persist in our society. His case continues to provoke discussions about race, social justice, and the need for meaningful change.