Trayvon Martin Case Prompts Memory of Slain Crofton Teen

As the high profile Florida murder trial came to a close on Saturday, people across the nation reacted on social media to George Zimmerman being found not guilty on all counts. Zimmerman's defense team claimed he shot unarmed black teen Trayvon Martin in self-defense.

For some Anne Arundel County residents, the case stirred memories of a local incident where Crofton teen Christopher Jones died in 2009 after he was beaten while riding his bike near his home. Two teens—one charged as an adult and the other as a juvenile—were found to have committed manslaughter.

Ginny Boveington wrote on Anne Arundel Patch's Facebook page, "Hello,, what about Chris Jones who was killed in Crofton, by two black boys, but they never labelled it as racial, when clearly it was."

Here are some other comments shared on Patch Facebook pages: 

Ken Lawrence commented on Anne Arundel Patch's Facebook page, "Was a non case from the start. The right decision was made. Unfortunately Zimmermans life is changed for ever. Now come the civil cases. The laws in Florida are different than Md by far."

Sharon Smith-Ellecamp wrote on Anne Arundel Patch's Facebook page, "No one wins. It is sad on all sides. Why does it have to be a RACE thing? Really? Come on people. If you look back at history, many cases have been set by race. Remember OJ Simpson? It is unfortunate to say the least. People need to remember that humans come in all shapes, sized and COLOR!" 

Anna James wrote on Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch's Facebook page, "This hits too close to home. I have 3 boys who are often guilty of wearing hoodies and walking to our corner store. What have I taught them to do if they feel threatened? Fight back if there's no other course of action! His death could have been prevented. He did not deserve to die."

Stephanie Baierlein shared her thoughts on Anne Arundel Patch's Facebook page about the media's role in this case: "The media is what made it a racial issue. In my opinion this should have never have happened and since it did Zimmerman should be held accountable for killing someone." 

Kathleen Peddigree commented on Anne Arundel Patch's Facebook page, "One of the most important things that should come out of this is that the media has to stop being judge, jury, and executioner. It's time to report news, without bias, and let the system do it's job. None of us were there that night nor were we in the court room. We have to let our system of justice work. it's not perfect, but it is better than most. The media is not part of the judicial system."

In nearby Baltimore, residents joined thousands across the nation to protest the court verdict that declared Zimmerman not guilty. 

TELL US: What are your thoughts on the George Zimmerman verdict in the Trayvon Martin case and do you think it has any impact locally?