Just finished reading through this whole thread.
Honestly, I initially - with the limited and biased information I had - felt the shooting was unjustified. I don't think I'm in that camp any longer.
If Zimmerman attempted to lay hands on Martin, I could see the justification for Martin to respond with force sufficient to inflict the injuries sustained by Zimmerman. I am unaware of any indication that this took place. If Zimmerman did not attempt to touch Martin in any way, I do not see how any of Zimmerman's other claimed, known or likely actions (following in a vehicle, following on foot, verbally challenging, calling a police non-emergency number, etc.) would justify a violent response from Martin. It's hard to say whether deadly force was called for after the beating commenced, but getting one's head bashed into concrete or a weapon being wrestled over could justify such a shoot.
In short, I agree with the "wait for evidence" crowd, and am confused by the "Justice for Travon" crowd.
Some other thoughts:
1. I have only called the police twice in my life. Once to report a girl getting shoved into a car and once because a bunch of kids were shooting at each other in front of my house. You know, valid reasons. That said, folks trying to use "OMG, he like called the cops a lot!!11!" as reason to label him mentally unstable are uninformed. My best friend is a cop and when I've done ride-alongs with him, guess what he tells folks? "If you see anything unusual or suspicious that you just want us to check out, don't hesitate to call the non-emergency number. If it's urgent, call 911." I can completely understand someone who spends time looking around his neighborhood for bad things to call the non-emergency number a lot.
2. Following Martin on foot was inadvisable and I wouldn't do it, but I don't see it as the bloody glove that De Selby seems to.
3. This case is no longer about Martin and Zimmerman and hasn't been since people decided to be outraged about the race of the participants. You know, the evil white hispanic guy and the black choir boy.