Zimmerman Medical Report Shows Broken Nose, Lacerations After Trayvon Martin Shooting

[Locke9-05]

ABC News Exclusive: Zimmerman Medical Report Shows Broken Nose, Lacerations After Trayvon Martin Shooting

A medical report compiled by the family physician of Trayvon Martin shooter George Zimmerman and obtained exclusively by ABC News found that Zimmerman was diagnosed with a "closed fracture" of his nose, a pair of black eyes, two lacerations to the back of his head and a minor back injury the day after he fatally shot Martin during an alleged altercation.

Zimmerman faces a second degree murder charge for the Feb. 26 shooting that left the unarmed 17-year-old high school junior dead. Zimmerman has claimed self defense in what he described as a life and death struggle that Martin initiated by accosting him, punching him in the face, then repeatedly bashing his head into the pavement.

Also today, a trove of documents are being examined by lawyers for both the defense and prosecution as part of discovery in Zimmerman's trial -- including 67 CDs worth of documents, video of Martin on the night of the shooting, his autopsy report and videos of Zimmerman's questioning by police.

Zimmerman's three-page medical report is included in those documents that the defense could use as evidence.

Watch World News with Diane Sawyer for the latest on the Trayvon Martin shooting and the trial of George Zimmerman.

The morning after the shooting, on Feb. 27, Zimmerman sought treatment at the offices of a general physician at a family practice near Sanford, Fla. The doctor notes Zimmerman sought an appointment to get legal clearance to return to work.

The record shows that Zimmerman also suffered bruising in the upper lip and cheek and lower back pain. The two lacerations on the back of his head, one of them nearly an inch long, the other about a quarter-inch long, were first revealed in photos obtained exclusively by ABC News last month.

But the report also shows Zimmerman declined hospitalization the night of the shooting, and then declined the advice of his doctor to make a follow-up appointment with an ear nose and throat doctor.

In addition to his physical injuries, Zimmerman complained of stress and "occasional nausea when thinking about the violence." But he was not diagnosed with a concussion. The doctor noted that it was "imperative" that Zimmerman "be seen with [sic] his psychologist for evaluation."

According to the report, prior to the shooting Zimmerman had been prescribed Adderall and Temazepam, medications that can cause side effects such as agitation and mood swings, but in fewer than 10 percent of patients.

A neighbor told ABC News that the day after the shooting he saw Zimmerman as he spoke to officers outside his home. He too recalled seeing black eyes and significant swelling -- as well as a bandage over his nose.

Moments after the shooting Zimmerman told eyewitnesses he shot Martin in self defense. He later told officers his head was being pounded into the pavement and that he feared for his life, but that it was only when Martin seemed to reach for the gun wedges in his waistband that Zimmerman drew his weapon and fired directly into Martin's chest -- killing him.

The medical notes may bolster Zimmerman's claim that he acted in self-defense because he was being attacked. However, the prosecution contends that Zimmerman instigated the confrontation after profiling the teen, who was walking home after buying skittles and ice tea. They prosecution says Martin was breaking no laws and was not disturbing anyone as he walked back to his father's girlfriend's home.

Zimmerman was granted a $150,000 bail and has since been in deep hiding since his April 20 bail hearing.

According to the video news report which accompanies that article, Trayvon Martin's autopsy results revealed that he had bruised and bloodied knuckles and hands, the skin was broken, etc. Like the video commentary noted, this definitely bolsters Zimmerman's claim of self-defense, however, as the legal analyst said, what it all comes down to is who started the physical portion of the altercation. That's what will be discussed in court and both sides' arguments on that particular subject are likely to be the primary factor in whatever verdict is reached by the jury.

[W.E.B. Du Bois]

Well GZ may or may not get off due to Florida's crazy Stand Your Ground law, whether or not he committed murder is another story. I guess we'll see if the courts go so far as to say with this ruling that you can chase someone down who is running away, be advised to stop chasing them by the police, shoot them and still claim self-defense.

One thing that is of interest is that evidence has apparently come to light that TM was shot at "intermediate range" by GZ, whatever that means. That finding not only contradicts GZ's story (which I believe already contradicts itself) but it seems to contradict the prosecution's version of events as well (and mine). It's a real anomaly.

[Locke9-05]

Well GZ may or may not get off due to Florida's crazy Stand Your Ground law, whether or not he committed murder is another story. I guess we'll see if the courts go so far as to say with this ruling that you can chase someone down who is running away, be advised to stop chasing them by the police, shoot them and still claim self-defense.

One thing that is of interest is that evidence has apparently come to light that TM was shot at "intermediate range" by GZ, whatever that means. That finding not only contradicts GZ's story (which I believe already contradicts itself) but it seems to contradict the prosecution's version of events as well (and mine). It's a real anomaly.

Well I don't know that he "chased him down," evidence seems to suggest that he did at least attempt to pursue from a distance, but didn't actually "chase him down." If Martin truly was "running away" or in fear of Zimmerman (who he might have seen as some creepy guy following him) he could have easily made it home or to another safe area at a quick walk or even jog. He wouldn't have even had to full out sprint to make it home before Zimmerman caught up. Based on where Zimmerman was at the time of his phone call with the operators and where Martin was according to DeeDee's testimony, Martin could have easily made it home if he were truly afraid of Zimmerman.

[W.E.B. Du Bois]

Well I don't know that he "chased him down," evidence seems to suggest that he did at least attempt to pursue from a distance, but didn't actually "chase him down." If Martin truly was "running away" or in fear of Zimmerman (who he might have seen as some creepy guy following him) he could have easily made it home or to another safe area at a quick walk or even jog. He wouldn't have even had to full out sprint to make it home before Zimmerman caught up. Based on where Zimmerman was at the time of his phone call with the operators and where Martin was according to DeeDee's testimony, Martin could have easily made it home if he were truly afraid of Zimmerman.

That GZ chased down TM and that TM was running away are not in question. Your claims about what TM could have done is based upon a map provided by Wagist, which is not a credible site. Is there anything other than the Wagist map which can be used as a basis to show that TM could have gotten away from GZ if he wanted to?

In either case, regardless of if he could have gotten away or not, TM did run away from GZ and GZ chased him down.

With regards to "broken skin" that's a big step down from your earlier claim from the ABC link. Tearing off a cuticle is "broken skin", so that doesn't say a lot.

From the MSNBC link:

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/20...psy-shows?lite

The official report, prepared by the medical examiner in Volusia County, Fla., also found that the 17-year-old Martin had one other fresh injury – a small abrasion, no more than a quarter-inch in size – on his left ring finger below the knuckle.

With regards to intermediate range, I just watched a ballistics expert on CNN say that it is 6" - 18". He says that the trajectory of the gun shot was horizontal. I still don't believe it though since it contradicts the 911 call. Maybe if GZ had TM pressed up against a wall or something. Based on the screams from that call, GZ's weight advantage it still appears that GZ executed TM.


WEB

[Locke9-05]

That GZ chased down TM and that TM was running away are not in question. Your claims about what TM could have done is based upon a map provided by Wagist, which is not a credible site. Is there anything other than the Wagist map which can be used as a basis to show that TM could have gotten away from GZ if he wanted to?

No, I'm not even relying on any of the markers shown on the Wagist map, I'm relying on viewing an overhead satellite image of the vicinity and comparing times of the phone call with the compiled evidence as well as Zimmerman's testimony and DeeDee's testimony. Wagist did something similar and came to a similar conclusion, but while I might have initially used them as a source for what I suspect transpired, I have since investigated the matter independently of any third party source. Based on the time of the calls, the length of the calls and landmark giveaways which Zimmerman references throughout the call--"the mailboxes," "the clubhouse," it's at a cut through," etc., it's not too difficult to come up with a fairly logical hypothesized turn of events.

In either case, regardless of if he could have gotten away or not, TM did run away from GZ and GZ chased him down.

There is no substantial evidence to prove that Zimmerman "chased him down," as that implies that he intended to catch him or apprehend him. Based on prior instances, at most Zimmerman wanted to be able to serve as a witness in the possible event that a crime was committed. Zimmerman would not have been able to catch up with Martin if Martin had been intent on getting home, as Zimmerman was older, heavier, more out of shape, and Martin already had quite a lead on him to begin with--referenced by Zimmerman on the phone with the dispatcher saying he had lost him and didn't know where he had gone. At that point in time, Zimmerman didn't see Martin, according to his own words on the phone. If Martin was far enough away to be for the most part out of eyesight, it's reasonable to conclude that had it been his intention, reaching home safe and sound would have been completely achievable and wouldn't even require much effort. Had he actually intended to do that, even at a quick walk, Zimmerman wouldn't have been able to catch up with him.

With regards to "broken skin" that's a big step down from your earlier claim from the ABC link. Tearing off a cuticle is "broken skin", so that doesn't say a lot.

Again, I never made any "claim," I simply relayed ABC's information. My relay of the information or reporting they provide is not a "claim" made by me, it's nothing more than what I just said it was--a relay of reporting and/or information. Your argument is significantly downplaying obvious indications that Martin was assaulting Zimmerman with his fists. The legal analyst in the link I provided did not even beat around the bushes by saying "broken skin doesn't really mean much," he said pretty much the polar opposite, he said it really bolsters the defense's self-defense claim in this case.

From the MSNBC link:

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/20...psy-shows?lite

The official report, prepared by the medical examiner in Volusia County, Fla., also found that the 17-year-old Martin had one other fresh injury – a small abrasion, no more than a quarter-inch in size – on his left ring finger below the knuckle.

I don't believe in MSNBC or NBC news reporting anymore than I believe in FOX. I've already provided two or three separate articles which mention "injuries" (plural) and describe the state of his knuckles (plural) without simply referring to the minimum of one measly abrasion.

With regards to intermediate range, I just watched a ballistics expert on CNN say that it is 6" - 18". He says that the trajectory of the gun shot was horizontal. I still don't believe it though since it contradicts the 911 call. Maybe if GZ had TM pressed up against a wall or something. Based on the screams from that call, GZ's weight advantage it still appears that GZ executed TM.

WEB

The FBI themselves have said they cannot make a conclusion regarding who it is in the background of that call, this renders the audio from that 911 call basically useless as an argument for the prosecution. The FBI--with all their resources, software, forensics, knowledge, experience, etc. have stated that they cannot be sure who is screaming in that audio. Unless someone is prepared to make the absurd claim that they have more forensic knowledge and resources than the entirety of the FBI investigators sent to investigate the case, the audio in no way will serve to support the prosecution's case and it in no way indicates that George Zimmerman "executed" Trayvon Martin. Also, George Zimmerman weighted 10 more pounds than Martin, I would hardly call that a significant weight advantage.

[W.E.B. Du Bois]

There is no substantial evidence to prove that Zimmerman "chased him down," as that implies that he intended to catch him or apprehend him. Based on prior instances, at most Zimmerman wanted to be able to serve as a witness in the possible event that a crime was committed.

There is substantial evidence to indicate that GZ chased him down based on your incorrect assumption on what "chased him down" implies (catch/apprehend) and when that incorrect assumption is removed it is more incontrovertible that GZ chased down TM.

Zimmerman would not have been able to catch up with Martin if Martin had been intent on getting home, as Zimmerman was older, heavier, more out of shape, and Martin already had quite a lead on him to begin with--referenced by Zimmerman on the phone with the dispatcher saying he had lost him and didn't know where he had gone. At that point in time, Zimmerman didn't see Martin, according to his own words on the phone. If Martin was far enough away to be for the most part out of eyesight, it's reasonable to conclude that had it been his intention, reaching home safe and sound would have been completely achievable and wouldn't even require much effort. Had he actually intended to do that, even at a quick walk, Zimmerman wouldn't have been able to catch up with him.

Even if this were true, and your comments thus far do not support that it is true, it would still be irrelevant to how there is no question that GZ chased down TM and TM ran away.

Again, I never made any "claim," I simply relayed ABC's information. My relay of the information or reporting they provide is not a "claim" made by me, it's nothing more than what I just said it was--a relay of reporting and/or information.

That could be called your claim.

Your argument is significantly downplaying obvious indications that Martin was assaulting Zimmerman with his fists. The legal analyst in the link I provided did not even beat around the bushes by saying "broken skin doesn't really mean much," he said pretty much the polar opposite, he said it really bolsters the defense's self-defense claim in this case.

No, it's not. Your saying that the legal analyst does not use my exact words is a strawman argument as there is no rational expectation for anyone to be using the exact words of a different random person. Regardless of what else you say about this legal analyst, the evidence shows a minor and singular cut, which doesn't mean much.

I don't believe in MSNBC or NBC news reporting anymore than I believe in FOX. I've already provided two or three separate articles which mention "injuries" (plural) and describe the state of his knuckles (plural) without simply referring to the minimum of one measly abrasion.

MSNBC reporting is credible. If you don't believe it that's fine.

The FBI themselves have said they cannot make a conclusion regarding who it is in the background of that call, this renders the audio from that 911 call basically useless as an argument for the prosecution. The FBI--with all their resources, software, forensics, knowledge, experience, etc. have stated that they cannot be sure who is screaming in that audio. Unless someone is prepared to make the absurd claim that they have more forensic knowledge and resources than the entirety of the FBI investigators sent to investigate the case, the audio in no way will serve to support the prosecution's case and it in no way indicates that George Zimmerman "executed" Trayvon Martin. Also, George Zimmerman weighted 10 more pounds than Martin, I would hardly call that a significant weight advantage.

Are you calling me "someone"? Is this the "someone" game, like "someone" makes the silly decision to believe the propaganda at Wagist?

I have attempted to confirm your claim about the FBI and found no hits on the first page of Google search results that verify it. Perhaps you are referring to the FBI not being able to confirm the "fucking coons" claim, which is a different matter.

[W.E.B. Du Bois]

Also, this account contradicts your claims about TM having all those cuts to his hands. From Newser (source is NBC):

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/20...psy-shows?lite

Trayvon Martin was killed by a single gunshot fired from an "intermediate range"—evidence suggests just inches away from the skin—according to an autopsy report reviewed by NBC. George Zimmerman has told investigators that he fired the shot while he was on his back as the teen straddled him, CBS notes. The only other injury the autopsy found on Trayvon was a small abrasion, about a quarter-inch in size, on his left ring finger below the knuckle.

I don't know how a few inches away is "intermediate range". Oh well.

[Locke9-05]

Also, this account contradicts your claims about TM having all those cuts to his hands. From Newser (source is NBC):

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/20...psy-shows?lite

Trayvon Martin was killed by a single gunshot fired from an "intermediate range"—evidence suggests just inches away from the skin—according to an autopsy report reviewed by NBC. George Zimmerman has told investigators that he fired the shot while he was on his back as the teen straddled him, CBS notes. The only other injury the autopsy found on Trayvon was a small abrasion, about a quarter-inch in size, on his left ring finger below the knuckle.

I don't know how a few inches away is "intermediate range". Oh well.

Well it wasn't really "my claim," per se, I was just describing the video commentary which accompanied the article on ABCNews. Their reporting may have been inaccurate, that's a definite possibility. I also noticed the intermediate range claim, and I dug a little deeper:

Gunshot Wounds - Forensics

Examination of the gunshot wound can help determine many factors involved in the shooting, including the distance of the shooter from the victim. Gunshot wounds can be classified based on the range from the muzzle of the gun to the target. These classifications include contact, near-contact, intermediate, and distant wounds.

A contact wound results when the muzzle is held against the body at the time of discharge, and can be further divided into hard, loose, angled, and incomplete contact wounds. In a hard-contact wound, the muzzle is held tightly against the skin. There is little external evidence that it is a contact wound, although if you inspect the entrance you will usually find searing and powder blackening of the immediate edge of the wound, while an autopsy will reveal particles of soot and unburnt powder in the wound track. In loose-contact wounds, the muzzle is held lightly against the skin, and the soot that is carried by the gas is deposited in a zone around the entrance, which can be wiped away. In an angled-contact wound, the barrel is held at an acute angle to the skin, and gas and soot radiate outwards from where the gun does not touch the skin. In an incomplete-contact wound, the barrel is held against the skin, but in a place where the skin is not completely flat. In this case, hot sooty gases escape the gap, leaving a long blackened and seared section of the skin, with scattered grains of powder.

In near-contact wounds, the muzzle is not in contact with the skin, but is very close. In this case, the powder grains do not have a chance to disperse and leave a powder tattooing. The entrance wound is surrounded by a wide zone of powder soot, and seared, blackened skin. In intermediate-range wounds, the muzzle is held away from the skin but close enough that it still produces powder tattooing. This type of wound is also characterized by numerous reddish-brown to orange-red lesions around the entrance to the wound. Finally, distant gunshot wounds leave no marks other than those produced by the bullet perforating the skin.

I found that, but I also found other sites which claim there are only three "typical" types of gunshot wounds, "contact, intermediate, and distance." Either way, intermediate gunshot wounds are caused by a gun fired at a person from 3 feet away or less. They are distinguishable by the powder residue around the wound and I believe that any distance greater than three feet would not produce such residue. And you're right, a few inches (I would generally take "a few" to mean three or so) is not intermediate range. Intermediate range is anywhere from 6 inches to about 3 feet.

[Locke9-05]

Also, this news report and several others I found confirm the claim by ABC News that Martin's autopsy revealed wounds on his knuckles, broken skin, etc.:

Autopsy shows Trayvon Martin had injuries to his knuckles: report

Autopsy results confirm that Trayvon Martin sustained injuries to his knuckles before he was gunned down in a Florida gated community.

The medical examiner found two injuries on Martin’s body: the fatal gunshot wound on his chest and broken skin on his knuckles, according to WFTV.

WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said the hand wounds could bolster the case of George Zimmerman, who claims he killed the unarmed 17-year-old in self-defense.

“It goes along with Zimmerman’s story that he acted in self-defense because he was getting beaten up by Trayvon Martin,” Sheaffer said.

Sheaffer acknowledged, however, that the injuries could have been a result of Trayvon trying to defend himself.

“It could be consistent with Trayvon either trying to get away or defend himself,” Sheaffer said.

The details of Trayvon’s hand wounds came amid reports that Zimmerman suffered several injuries to his face and neck during the struggle.

Zimmerman’s family physician said he had a pair of lacerations to the back of his head, two black eyes, a minor back injury and a “closed fracture” of his nose, according to the report obtained by ABC News

Zimmerman, 28, killed Trayvon in a Sanford condo complex Feb. 26 after calling 911 to report a suspicious person.

Zimmerman claimed self-defense, saying Trayvon jumped him. Zimmerman was charged in April with second degree murder.

He remains out on $150,000 bail.

[Locke9-05]

There's also the information and video from this very similar report:

WFTV.com - Autopsy results show Trayvon Martin had injuries to his knuckles

SANFORD, Fla. —

WFTV has confirmed that autopsy results show 17-year-old Trayvon Martin had injuries to his knuckles when he died.

The information could support George Zimmerman's claim that Martin beat him up before Zimmerman shot and killed him.

The autopsy results come as Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O’Mara continues to go over other evidence in the case.

O’Mara wouldn't comment on the autopsy evidence, but WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said it's better for the defense than it is for the prosecution.

WFTV has learned that the medical examiner found two injuries on Martin’s body: The fatal gunshot wound and broken skin on his knuckles.

When you compare Trayvon’s non-fatal injury with Zimmerman's bloody head wounds, the autopsy evidence is better for the defense, Sheaffer said.

“It goes along with Zimmerman's story that he acted in self-defense, because he was getting beaten up by Trayvon Martin,” Sheaffer said.

The injury to Martin’s knuckle also fits with Zimmerman's story that before he shot and killed Martin, Martin had broken his nose and knocked him to the ground, slamming his head on the sidewalk.

But Sheaffer said there could be another explanation for Martin's knuckle injury.

“It could be consistent with Trayvon either trying to get away or defend himself,” Sheaffer said.

Zimmerman shot and killed the unarmed teenager almost three months ago after calling 911 to report the teenager was acting suspiciously.

Zimmerman said Martin threw the first punch and that he opened fire in self-defense after his screams for help went unanswered.

The FBI was not able to determine whether it was Zimmerman or Trayvon who could be heard crying out for help in 911 calls.

The defense is trying to decide what evidence it wants a judge to keep confidential before the media gets a chance to see it, but WFTV is being told that could happen in the next week or so.

In the meantime, there’s new information surfacing about Zimmerman.

ABC News said it has obtained Zimmerman's medical report from the day after the killing. According to ABC, the report shows Zimmerman had a broken nose and abrasions on the back of his head.

It's interesting to note that it is stated that the FBI was unable to determine whether it was George Zimmerman or Trayvon Martin calling for help. If the FBI is unable to make a forensic determination regarding who is crying for help in the background audio of a 911 call, I think that says a lot about the general quality or admissibility of evidence regarding the audio bits heard in the background of that 911 call. I think it's safe to say that the FBI has access to more funds and resources in terms of forensic investigation than [possibly] anyone else. And they were unable to come to a conclusive determination. I think that will work in the defense's favor should the prosecution attempt to use audio "experts" testifying about the audio one way or another. I think the defense will probably be able to have the evidence ruled out as inadmissible.