New Evidence: No Trace of Trayvon Martin’s DNA on George Zimmerman’s Gun

Sanford Police video / Zimmerman Defense Team / AP

In this Feb. 27, 2012 image taken from a Sanford Police video posted on a website called gzlegalcase.com by George Zimmerman's defense team, Zimmerman speaks to an unidentified investigator at the scene of Trayvon Martin's fatal shooting.

New evidence in the Trayvon Martin case shows no indication that he touched the gun George Zimmerman used to shoot him to death during their altercation in February.

Lab technicians at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement tested the firearm used in the shooting, a black Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm semi-automatic pistol, but none of the Miami teen’s DNA was found on the gun. The neighborhood watch volunteer has claimed that that he shot only after Martin reached for Zimmerman’s weapon, which was in a holster on his waist. In the account he gave to police, Zimmerman said that Martin began to pummel him, bashing his head against the ground and breaking his nose. He said the two struggled on the ground until a single shot went off. Trayvon Martin died of a gunshot wound to his chest.

(MORE: George Zimmerman’s Gun: A Popular Choice for Concealed Carry)

But the DNA evidence does not prove that Martin ever got hold of the weapon. Tests, which came from swabs collected from the gun’s grip, found Zimmerman’s DNA and that of other handlers, but none from the teen. It is still unclear if any of Martin’s DNA was found on the holster, and DNA swabs collected from the trigger were not interpretable.

The documents, released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, were among a new group of discoveries in the case, including a recorded statement from the 7-11 store clerk that sold the 17-year-old the Arizona Iced Tea and Skittles he possessed when he was killed, plus photos taken on the night of the shooting and others from a private investigator, Martin’s school records, and incident reports. On the whole the newest evidence, which had been presented to Zimmerman’s defense lawyers a month ago, does not reveal much that was not already known from earlier discovery releases — with the exception of the DNA results.

Other records were not released because they are protected under Florida public disclosure laws.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in Martin’s death, which took place on Feb. 17 in a Sanford, Fla. gated community.  He was released on a $1 million bond in August. He has pleaded not guilty and is maintaining self defense. His defense team, led by attorney Mark O’Mara is attempting to argue that Zimmerman is protected by the state’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law, which allows someone who feels lethally threatened by an assailant to use deadly force. The team is attempting to get a hearing on their client’s rights under that law, which would determine if he were justified under that statute to shoot Martin.

(MORE: Zimmerman Defense Team to Seek ‘Stand Your Ground’ Hearing)

Since Zimmerman’s release, Florida Circuit Court Judge Ken Lester was recused from the case due to fears of judicial bias and replaced with Deborah Nelson, a Florida bench veteran appointed by former Gov. Jeb Bush.

66 comments
TheBlakkDahlia
TheBlakkDahlia

What happened to good old revenge shootings? 

Zimmerman kills Trayvon. Someone takes it upon his or herself to kill Zimmerman. Justice!!!! 

David Herndon
David Herndon

Mary Q. Nelson, the only way this murderous  prevaricating perjurer will walk is when the Judge and  jury are all members of the KKK.  There is a plethora of witnesses along with forensic science that unequivocally proves George Zimmerman is a pathological liar.

4lane
4lane

Bad evidence processing, there had to be some bullet impact blow back (blood and tissue) from Trayvone's bullet impact point on the gun at that close range ( it was on Zimmerman's clothes). There is DNA all over Zimmerman's clothes from the struggle why don't they talk about that, because it does exist.  Also Zimmerman's DNA was found under Trayvone's fingernails and on a watch he was wearing that contributed to the facial wounds on Zimmerman's face.  Be careful this may not end like some people expect.

Reggie LeBlanc
Reggie LeBlanc

We have seen the backlash caused by Zim's supporters' statements  that Zim had the right to take matters into his own hands, and it wasn't blacks rioting.  The rash of mass killings, like the one in Colo, is the result of  other"crazies" taking matters into their own hands.

Reggie LeBlanc
Reggie LeBlanc

Would you say a drunk driver hitting and killing another driver with his car is just tragic.  What if the drunk driver had multiple DUI's and his license was suspended.  At some point, according to FL law, "misjudgements" become a depraved mind, with reckless disregard for human life which is one of the standards for 2nd degree murder.  The State of FL believes that Zim's "misjudgements" passed the 2nd degree murder standard.

sosmartru
sosmartru

WRONG. Trayvon and georges blood are on both of their shirts and jackets.

mp533
mp533

The odds of dna being deposited on an object that was "grabbed at" and only momentarrily touched are extremely remote. I would have been more skepticle had Martin's dna been found on the weapon. DNA isn't, for the most part, air borne. A vehicle is necessary, such as; blood, perspiration, saliva, skin, hair, etc. Unless he had grasped the weapon significantly, and at the same time was sweating, bleeding, spitting or left skin on it, no dna would be expected.  

Tre Anthony
Tre Anthony

Everybody knows that it's a dangerous undertaking to run behind anybody that you don't know on a late rainy night, and Zimmerman certainly knew it unless he medication interferred with his ability to rationale. Trayvon had every reason to be frightened by a grown 28 year old man running up from behind him on a late rainy night and Zimmerman can't complain if Trayvo turned around and knocked the cowboy shit out of him for running up from behind hi because as far Trayvon knew, Zimmerman was trying to jump him or rob him, and he had a divine right to defend himself by any means necessary, even if it meant taking that can of Arizona Watermelon drink and wacking him upside the head. But apparentl you and Zimmerman's other supporters don't see it that way. As I said before, Try running up from behind a police officer on a late rainy night but before you do so, make sure your burial insurance is paid up.

Angela Corey charged Zimmerman for violating Florida's Second Degree Murder statute and for no other reason. There's nothing malicious about GZ's prosecution. He is the one that chose to take the law into his own hands and so he must live with that decision.

BobcatbobIngram
BobcatbobIngram

@Tre Anthony Please stop lying !   NOBODY is claiming George Ran up behind Trayvon.

Tre Anthony
Tre Anthony

Everybody knows that it's a dangerous undertaking to run behind anybody that you don't know on a late rainy night, and Zimmerman certainly knew it unless he medication interferred with his ability to rationale. Trayvon had every reason to be frightened by a grown 28 year old man running up from behind him on a late rainy night and Zimmerman can't complain if Trayvo turned around and knocked the cowboy shit out of him for running up from behind hi because as far Trayvon knew, Zimmerman was trying to jump him or rob him, and he had a divine right to defend himself by any means necessary, even if it meant taking that can of Arizona Watermelon drink and wacking him upside the head. But apparentl you and Zimmerman's other supporters don't see it that way. As I said before, Try running up from behind a police officer on a late rainy night but before you do so, make sure your burial insurance is paid up.

Angela Corey charged Zimmerman for violating Florida's Second Degree Murder statute and for no other reason. There's nothing malicious about GZ's prosecution. He is the one that chose to take the law into his own hands and so he must live with that decision.

tsgtmoon
tsgtmoon

Maybe I misread the facts of this case. Looking at a drawing of the crime scene, it showed Martin's location and Zimmerman's location when Zimmerman was advised that he did not need to be following a suspicious person. Martin was far enough away to get back to his home when Zimmerman acknowledged the request that he did not have to follow Martin and was returning to his truck. Martin was the one who backtracked to confront Zimmerman.

     It's a shame that someone died, but the main stream media and the Martin family have been working overtime to make this unfortunate series of events into a racial issue. It started with doctoring the 911 tapes to make Zimmerman sound like a profiling racist. Then, the first thing the grieving family did was patent anything to do with Trayvon and the infamous hoodie. Then to make matters worse, you have IDIOTS like Sharpton sporting hoodies in protest. Check the facts. One of the primary disguises for criminals happens to be hoodies.  Instead of jumping on bandwagons for Zimmerman's guilt before the case goes to trial, how about innocent until proven guilty, and let all the facts come out in a court of LAW.

Disquskurr
Disquskurr

All those Republican White folks who are supporting Zimmerman, I have news for you : Zimmerman may go free, and supporting him may make you feel like you won, but the truth is

~~ You folks have become a minority, and you guys have no power. And thus you hide in internet forums, and post harmless stuff, and in the meanwhile hard working folks are leaving you way,way behind. Keep smoking, keep watching Fox News, keep unloading people like Santorum, Roney and Gingrich on the nation, and most importantly, keep losing !!  R.I.P, :)~~

MarineCorpsRetVet
MarineCorpsRetVet

And even when the evidence is stacking higher then a person on crack, the Zimmerman supporters STILL don't get it.  Let it be known, Zimmerman lied, embellished and attempted to deceive all involved.  He killed that young man for no reason, no reason at all.  Since you all believe him, I have a bridge in London for sale, any of you interested?  You are buying that crap he is selling I might as well get my bid in.

MarineCorpsRetVet
MarineCorpsRetVet

And even when the evidence is stacking higher then a person on crack, the Zimmerman supporters STILL don't get it.  Let it be known, Zimmerman lied, embellished and attempted to deceive all involved.  He killed that young man for no reason, no reason at all.  Since you all believe him, I have a bridge in London for sale, any of you interested?  You are buying that crap he is selling I might as well get my bid in.

BobcatbobIngram
BobcatbobIngram

@MarineCorpsRetVet  

Saying it twice does NOT make it any truer. 

sonofamichelleo
sonofamichelleo

 Uh, he went for the weapon, completely justifiable self defense.  Move along race baiters.  Find another story to latch on to.

sonofamichelleo
sonofamichelleo

Uh, he went for the weapon, completely justifiable self defense.  Move along race baiters.  Find another story to latch on to.

Zoila101
Zoila101

It is very obvious how this all happened the

more evidence that comes out. I have been reading on this from day one and

played almost every scenario in my head of how this must of happened. Zimmerman

Noticed trayvon and trayvon to him was heading for the back gate. He did not

want Trayvon to escape so he ensured he caught up to him before he got to the

back gate. He finally caught up to Trayvon and confronted him. He grabbed

trayvon shirt to get him to the cops when they come. Trayon got scared and

punched Zimmerman in the face causing him to fall on his back. and hit his head

on the concrete. Causing the small cut to the back of his head. Zimmerman, got

pissed, pulled his gun out before Trayvon could run away. Trayvon saw that

gun and started screaming for help. Saying what one witness indicated 'sorry'

and 'somebody help me.' Trayvon was scared. The help screams got more in a

helpless tone. Zimmerman said you gonna die tonight. Fired the gun while trayvon

hands are up in front of him cause the bullet to give a minor scratch on Trayvon

finger before hitting his chest. He fell to his knees with his hands down and

fell on his stomach with hands partially under him. Body still moving Zimmerman

straddled Trayvon to ensure he was no longer moving and saying anything. Then

came off when Trayvon become life less. With Daddy help and Osterman Zimmerman was out long enough to make sure there was enough evidence to say that he was innocent to walk. But what goes on in the dark eventually comes to light.

MamoruC
MamoruC

Tell us another story, Daddy!

Frank Lapore
Frank Lapore

This darling young man whom did nothing wrong as he followed the letter of the law in defending himself and his young family from this beast this N e g r o this gangbanger whom often carried a pistol stuffed in his waist band as he sold drugs. George had every right under the rule of law to defend himself from his african american assailant. The article suggest that trevon Martin has not touched the gun it does not mention the fact that Trevon grabed at the gun. Ah yes Trevon Martin the drug pushing black troll reached for the gun and just because George kept the Negro at bay until he could stop the attacker which by the way is his right as a floridian. George had no choich but to kill this animal and we should all thank him for doing so. Had he not then we all would continue to be victums of such criminal forces. Hey look the prisons are full of what? Blacks! We have to keep them in prison where they cant harm people, send them back to the mothership or kill them. Bottom line! George Zimmerman is a talented, darling and a stunningly handsome youngman. Trevon Martin on the other hand was a colored beast with flared nostrals and animal like behaviours and he was jelouse and that is why he chose to victimize Zimmerman. It was only after Martin attacked Zimmerman and after that Boogie Boy tried to take Zimmermans gun away and shoot him did George shot Trevon and what the hell is a Negro even doing in a closed gated community after dark? He had no business there but to commit robbery and it was Trevon Martin whom killed himself by acting in a threatening criminal manner attacking the neighborhood watch security officer. What else can any person black or right possably think? This Martin charicter was an unrestrained drug pushing criminal beast who robbed homes and he needed to be stoped George Zimmerman rendered a service unto these United states and we must all bow our head in respect of his valour. He is a hero and he is my hero and he must be released to serve and protect us as he has always done. We love you George!

Kappiccino
Kappiccino

From the moment I saw "negro", your whole ridiculous speech was only making think one thing: ra-cist. I cam already see you voting for that dumbass Romney.

You really have awful taste when it comes to heroes. Maybe you also are a fan of KKK. Tsk. My generation....

BobcatbobIngram
BobcatbobIngram

@Kappiccino 

 Kapp I believe Frank wrote that comment in an attempt to get a rise from....from...from ANYONE because any click (positive or negative) is another click and websites are paid by the number of clicks they generate.

 Frank...If I am right please stop, if I am wrong then please accept my apology.

dockilldare
dockilldare

 so am i to understand that in order to claim self defence you have to first give your weapon to he person trying to do you harm? that way their dna is on the weapon, od i have your ideals right? if so you are a fool.  as zimmerman has claimed from the begining, martin went for his pistol while it was holsterd, at the same time he was fighting with zimmerman, there would be no dna on the weapon itself.note the story also claims they have not tested the holster..this story only proves zimmerman's claims.

zimmerman never said martin got the gun out and pointed it at him, he said martin tried to grab his weapon and failed.

@ all the anti gun/ anti self defence people, are you aware of the 1981 supreme court ruling from the case warren v dc? that should be where you start your soul searcing. the scotus made it clear that no government official is required to protect you the individual. in other words your defence is your responsability not law enforcement's. so now if you are smart as you claim to be, sit down be quiet and do some research.

MamoruC
MamoruC

CSI effect.  DNA is magic. If there is no DNA, it didn't happen. Simple.  

Tested the grip, FFS... no shit there was no DNA on the grip. 

emptyshotglass
emptyshotglass like.author.displayName 1 Like

Zimmerman's choice to hunt down Martin is quite obvious

1         He was on the phone with 911 in a truck.

2         He continued to track Martin after he was told “that would not be necessary.”

3         His prey maneuvered into an area where Zimmerman had to get out of his truck to track him.

4         Tracking was not Zimmerman’s objective or Martin would have reached his destination, Zimmerman would have informed the police as to his location.

5         The confrontation Zimmerman’s goal became violent.

Although we may never know in what manner Zimmerman approached and confronted Martin we do know he was upset and used racial slurs in describing him.

The one thing I wonder is what would have happened if Martin survived.

Oyster
Oyster

Zimmerman never said he grabbed the weapon. Only that Martin reached for it. Zimmerman will walk and from the evidence prevented thus far, he should. 

catojohnny
catojohnny

@Oyster actually Zimmerman told the story as if Martin was trying to remove the gun fron the hoslter, but he won the battle and then shot him...... But here is where it gets really strange None of Martins DNA on the gun, No wounds to Zimmermans hands, arms or wrist. One straight shot through Martins chest..... So how could Zimmerman being on his back, while Martin is sitting on top of him shoot him straight through the chest????? What was Martin doing while Zimmerman was pulling his weapon???? Zimmerman will have to explain alot of those stories that he has told, and then it will be shown that it could not have happen the way he has said.... Zimmerman stories will be exposed as the lies they are.... The liar that he is

Its_Not_A_Tax_LOL
Its_Not_A_Tax_LOL

Dear Time, "Grabbed for it" is different than "grabbed it". This article is a waste of pixels.

James Hoffa
James Hoffa like.author.displayName 1 Like

So? no one ever said he actually touched the gun.

catojohnny
catojohnny

@James Hoffa Zimmerman said that Martin and himself struggled over the gun... yet no wounds on Zimmermans arms, hands, or wrist and No DNA on the gun..... I guess Zimmerman can explain how this could be when he explains about some of the other questionable stories that can't be supported by DNA or physics

akpat
akpat

According to an eye witness Zimmerman was being held down by Martin and beaten. If your nose was broken and your mouth and throat filling with blood and your head beaten into the ground you would also stop him using any force necessary.

Anyone who says otherwise is either a liar or a fool.

lysheen
lysheen like.author.displayName 1 Like

 "almost nothing is was known"  Actually, what matters to most reasonable people is this: Zimmeran was a psychotic vigilante fighting enemies that never existed. He called 911 over 30 times in a month. He stalked innocent people with a loaded gun. THAT MATTERS.

MamoruC
MamoruC like.author.displayName 1 Like

He also prevented multiple crimes and tutored some black kids on his free time. Because he's a blinded racist who wanted to know more about how the little negro children think... so he could learn how to kill 'em more gooder.

Reggie LeBlanc
Reggie LeBlanc like.author.displayName 1 Like

You don't "get" Zimmerman's type of racism.  It doesn't appear to be a racism where he "hates" all black people.  Its a racism based on twisted logic.  Since, in his mind, many black teenage/young adult males commit crimes, ALL black teenage/young adult males are suspect to the point of reporting to and detaining for the police.  If HE didn't catch (mentor) them while young, HE would have to catch (detain) them as a teenager/young adult.

supergirl
supergirl like.author.displayName 1 Like

 wow and we see Zim's grades he wouldn't tutor any of my kids!

Armand Winter
Armand Winter

 Recently admitted to Augusta, Darla Moore and Bush were part owners in the Texas Rangers. Darla Moore was credited with removing current Florida Governor, Rick Scott as CEO of HCA because Darla's husband owned HCA.

Scott left the 7th largest employer in the US with a golden parachute worth $500 million. Then Bain came in and cleaned up the mess after the 14 felonies and $650 million in fines.

Why wasn't Rick Scott ever convicted of MedicAid and Medicare fraud?

All the money grubers of the GOP want to be heir apparent to the Bush crime family especially Romney. Romney has been in on it all this time.

Jeffrey Geez Glavick
Jeffrey Geez Glavick

Please, Zimmermann said Trayvon went for the gun, he did not say he had grabbed it or touched, figure out the difference. Someone "goes" for your gun, or tries to press the red nuclear bomb button, what do you do? say , please stop. That got Osama killed, going for "something" there is no time to say please do not do that or, hope they are going for something other than control of the situation metaphorically speaking.

catojohnny
catojohnny

@Jeffrey Geez Glavick So what was Martin doing while Zimmerman was pulling the gun???? A few things we can rule out 1. Martin wasn't fighting Zimmerman for the gun (no wounds on Zimmermans hands, wrist, or arms) 2. Martin wasn't grabbing/touching the gun (no DNA on the gun) 3. Martin wasn't beating Zimmerman while he was pulling the gun (Zimmerman suppossedly shot Martin straight through the chest while laying on his back and Martin sitting on top of him...... even though for the events that Zimmerman says were taken place makes the path of the bullet impossible)

BernBerk
BernBerk like.author.displayName 1 Like

When Zimmerman was taken into custody there were no signs of blood anywhere. If he had a broken nose as he claims, blood would have been all over shirt and pants plus his nose would have been swollen. Zimmerman can say anything he wants and no one is around to refute anything he says. All of a sudden pictures show up with blood on his head. Magic

MamoruC
MamoruC

Don't forget the police AND the EMTs that lied about the injuries.   Because, Jews. Clearly.

Shelama
Shelama

 Thank you, Dr. BernBerk. Sorry,  but that would go absolutely nowhere in court. There's a reason why you'll not be called as an expert witness.

BernBerk
BernBerk like.author.displayName 1 Like

Shelama.  Nowhere in court? Seeing is believing. You think they wont show the same tape I saw when he was brought in for questioning?

Look at his face. His nose shows no sign of being broken. So please look before you make a comment.

catojohnny
catojohnny

@Shelama There were injuries to Zimmerman.... Here is where Zimmerman runs into problem: Zimmerman claims that he felt those injuries were life threatening, and that he had to kill to save his life.... Yet he refused to be seen by a doctor, have xrays taken that night. Guess he really knew that those injuries weren't really life threatening.... And it shows that once cleaned up the injuries were minor

Shelama
Shelama like.author.displayName 1 Like

 They'll show all stills and videos, of course they will, and they will support the injuries. They've already been released to the public, so I don't know what it is you think you've seen.  The early release of early police station videos didn't appear to show much, but enhancement and closer inspection clearly did. Supported by multiple still photos.

Sorry...you're wrong. Which is only one reason you'll not be called as an expert witness. Sorry.

Shelama
Shelama

This is kind of non-evidence, isn't it? Why would merely reaching for a gun be expected to leave DNA on it?

RIP Trayvon. While your death was tragic and avoidable it obviously wasn't murder. Probably not even in the 2nd degree. Serious misjudgments by both Z and Martin with horrible outcome.

This is an excellent example of a knee-jerk rush to judgment by too many people with a heavy overlay of false claims of racism. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson should have stayed home.

Z's rightful acquittal won't sit well with the masses. More sadness and tragedy is on the way.

Armand Winter
Armand Winter like.author.displayName 1 Like

 Zimmy is a liar and a murderer.

In Florida, a black woman can get 20 for discharging a warnig shot... but this POS will get nothing because he's supposedly "white".

Shelama
Shelama

Not because he's "white" but because he's innocent. Yours is a prejudiced, reverse-racist rush to judgement formed early in the investigation (if not sooner) when almost nothing was known. Sorry. Get over. Or not... you can always join the predictable, murderous mayhem in the streets when Z is rightfully acquitted.

lysheen
lysheen like.author.displayName 1 Like

"almost nothing was known"  Actually, what matters to most reasonable people is this: Zimmeran was a psychotic vigilante fighting enemies that never existed. He called 911 over 30 times in a month. He stalked innocent people with a loaded gun. THAT MATTERS. Fact is, Zimmerman's behavior made him a time bomb. If it hadn't been Trayvon, it would have been someone else eventually.

Cheryl Herron
Cheryl Herron

Zimmerman sought out and killed this innocent kid.  Came up with the perfect lie and with the help of FL Police Dept may get away with murder.  GOD knows and hopefully this kids death will not be in vain.

David Herndon
David Herndon like.author.displayName 1 Like

There is nothing perfect about the lies that Zimmerman has told!  He said Trayvon grabbed his gun, now he's back peddling. His biggest nemesis is his own mouth.

catojohnny
catojohnny

@David Herndon Zimmerman thought he was smarter then the evidence........ he forgot about DNA and physics

GloriaTurnerBurnside
GloriaTurnerBurnside like.author.displayName 1 Like

To tumaco, the perfect lie is what Zimmerman tried to get by with,  he followed Travon for no reason!!! Have you not read everything on this case?? Travon was scared of Zimmerman, he was talking to his girlfreind on the cell and told her someone was following him, and she told him to take off running!! NOW, everything that Zimmerman has said has been proven to be a lie, why do you think they finally arestted him months ago, he thought (because it had happened so many other times) that his father, a retired JUGDE, from there was going to get him off like he always has before, but there was to much heat on the police from the citizens, so they had no choice but to treat him like us normal people with no privleges like hes use to because of his father, why don't you look at his arrest record and everytime he's been arrested it has been dismissed, even hitting a cop, and resisting arrest, so he thought he would like this big hero and had come up with his usuall story that always worked before, but all the evidence has proven he lied, and the dna was just another lie he was caught in after being tested the proper way!! He murdered a boy that wasn't doing anything, so now he can finally pay the price for taking his life and what he's put Travon's mother and father through, and his daddy can't get him off this time, just go back and look on the computer and look at his arrest record, mostly violent arrests, but yet all was dismissed!!

Zoila101
Zoila101 like.author.displayName 1 Like

Without Trayvon Parents wanting to know the truth and seeking Justice, no one would know this story. It would have come and gone like nothing. Makes you question how much other things have happened and gone away with evidence been distroyed due to no case made. It is true that alot of cover up is going on to ensure Zimmerman looks innocent. Zimmerman had enough time out to ensure his story was suitable and his cop buddies had files to back up Zimmerman claim. Osterman said he accompanied Zimmerman to the police department and he was there through his statement being given the night of. Why there is no vidoe showing that Osterman is part of the crew walking Zimmeman into jail. This whole walking with handcuffs was an act due to cameras around. Where is the one of Shellie coming in with the clothing? Osterman coming in?

tumaco
tumaco

What "perfect lie" is that?