SANFORD -- Respondents to an InstaPoll on Headline Surfer are in a virtual deadlock as to whether the charge of second-degree murder for Trayvon Martin is appropriate. The poll was created 8:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, asking: Do you agree with the 2nd degree murder charge against George Zimmerman in Trayvon Martin's death?

To the first choice: Yes, he committed a crime and must be held accountable, 401 or 50% chose that choice.

In the second choice, No, he was standing his ground and his actions were lawful, 399 or 50% chose that choice.

The Headline Surfer Install Poll was created 8:59 p.m., Wednesday, April 11. It will be closed once the 1,000th vote has been cast.

NSBNEWS.net Investigative Reporting
Previous coverage click below:
Justice for Trayvon: A Search for Answers
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- I'm no lawyer, but I have extensively covered Florida's criminal and civil courts in Daytona Beach and DeLand as a member of the working press since the mid-1990s, including the appeals and ultimate death sentence execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos and the civil trial won by Dale Earnhardt's widow in keeping his autopsy photos sealed from the public. With national media outlets predicting a manslaughter charge by the special prosecutor against George Zimmerman in the Sanford gunshot slaying of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, some experts have said he could get as little as five years if convicted. I disagree.

Florida statutes are clear on manslaughter. Because Trayvon was a minor, that's an enhancer that makes the charge "aggravated manslaughter." And because a firearm was used in the killing, Florida's 10-20-life statute must be applied.

NSBNews.net photos by Henry Frederick / Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, the parents of slain 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, are flanked by the Rev. Al Sharpton and their attorney Benjamin Crump as several thousand cheered them on in Sunday's downtown Miami rally.

MIAMI -- NSBNews.net, New Smyrna Beach's 24/7 Internet newspaper, scored an exclusive interview today with Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, the parents of Trayvon Martin, following the big rally attended by several thousand people in downtown Miami.

The "Justice Rally" included singer Chaka Khan and retired NBA superstars Alonzo Mourning and Isaiah Thomas who flanked the grieving parents on stage.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Certainly the slaying of Trayvon Martin has captured the attention of the world. It is a story that originated in Sanford in nearby Seminole County. Though NSBNews.net is a small operation, we believe this is a story that tugs at local heart strings.

And though not directly connected to this incident, there are stories here in Volusia County that are eerily similar to issues of race, interpretation of the law and how we as a community deal with news that impacts our lives for better or worse. Our investigative series is called: "Justice for Trayvon: A Search for Answers."

As a veteran award-winning journalist, this reporter will bring you his insights and reporting to shed light on one of the most impactful tragedies of our time. We'll take you to the story in our unique multimedia approach of words, sound and sight with a series of stories, blogs, photos and videos. 

EDGEWATER -- I am confused about why the police did not arrest Trayvon Martin’s (alleged) killer.

SANFORD -- Had the judge in the George Zimmerman murder trial refused bail -- which he ultimately set at $1 million -- his defense team could have resorted to a legal maneuver that would have ramped up the high-profile case even more for both sides: a demand for a speedy trial.

EDGEWATER -- A sense of relief came over me with the arrest of George Zimmerman on the charge of second-degree murder in the Sanford shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. As much as the whole state of Florida is a tinderbox of dryness prone to fire, I was more and more feeling that this situation was also a tinderbox that was on the verge of exploding into violence.

George Zimmerman was booked on a charge of second-degree murder Wednesday in the Feb. 26 gunshot slaying of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in the accused killer's gated community in Sanford. 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Sybrina Fulton has been an emotional roller for 45 days since her 17-year-old son was gunned down in a Sanford gated community and after hearing the special prosecutor charging George Zimmerman with second degree murder, she was finally able to find some solace.