Interesting speculation on CNN just now that – ironically – because Zimmerman has gone into hiding from his attorneys, there's no one to inform him directly that he's been charged once that happens, and no one to negotiate a peaceful surrender to the police. Because nobody knows where he is, if he's still in Florida or even still in the United States, the state may have no choice but to launch a nationwide manhunt for him.

It'd be easy to fall into fallacies in this circumstance. It's odd that Zimmerman went on the run, especially from his own lawyers, but that doesn't serve as evidence of guilt. On the other hand, how many people, on average, run when they're innocent? How many hide from their own lawyers?

Not many.

This is good news. Even if Zimmerman is found innocent, a trial will give Trayvon Martin at least some justice. The system and his country will have at least tried to seek justice on his behalf, and no matter what (assuming they find Zimmerman and he doesn't pull a Roman Polanski) this ordeal will end for Zimmerman. He'll be vindicated and acquitted, or convicted and imprisoned for a very long time.

This is just a good first step though. There has been so much apparent impropriety by the local police that the Department of Justice should step aside on the Martin killing and investigate the police instead. The allegation that one police officer corrected a witness while taking that person's statement absolutely must be investigated and resolved. Bare minimum, the voters should take a long hard look at what's happened under the current Chief of Police and give a lot of thought to replacing him.

Maybe there's some hope left yet for the justice system, and for Martin's family seeing justice.

Update
Two new bits of news. First, the AP is reporting that Zimmerman is in custody. So no manhunt. Second, they are charging him with second degree murder. Says LGF's Charles Johnson, "Prosecutors must have serious evidence to go for 2nd degree murder. I expected manslaughter."

This article is Copyright © 2012 Paul W. Tenny (license). The author can be found on Twitter or contacted via email.