Black Lives Matter: The Lost Life Of Trayvon Martin

Several Agencies Investigated The Case & Questioned Zimmerman’s Acquaintances

Photo: Getty Images/Pool

In late March 2012, Florida Governor Rick Scott tasked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with investigating the shooting. The Justice Department also announced it was looking into the incident, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation started its own investigation into the case. The FBI interviewed witnesses, checked out Zimmerman’s background, and looked to see whether Martin’s civil rights were infringed upon. In July 2012, Sanford Police Department’s lead investigator, Chris Serino, told the FBI he believed Zimmerman’s actions were based on Martin’s clothing, not his race. Neighbors and coworkers did not have anything negative to say about Zimmerman.