In a one-paragraph letter released late Monday, Gov. Rick Scott asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to intervene in the investigation into the shooting death of Miami Gardens teenager Trayvon Martin by a Sanford neighborhood watch volunteer last month.
"The circumstances surrounding the death of Trayvon Martin have caused significant concerns within the Sanford community and the state,'' Scott wrote to FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. "I understand an investigation was initiated by the Sanford Police Department and referred to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office. I believe it is appropriate the the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provide any assistance necessary to fully investigate this matter. Accordingly, please ensure that FDLE offers and provides the appropriate resources to the State Attorney's Office as they continue their investigation." Download Memo to Commissioner Bailey Re Trayvon Martin-1
The governor's announcement coincided with a statement late Monday from the U.S. Department of Justice that federal investigators will also intervene in the case. Martin, who was not armed, was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, 28, on Feb. 26. He is under investigation by police after many in the community have raised questions about whether the shooting was racially motivated. Zimmerman has not been charged.
Legal experts told the Miami Herald that Florida's controversial 2005 "Stand-Your-Ground" self-defense law could hamper any efforts to charge Zimmerman. More on that story here.
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