911 Tapes Released in Shooting of Unarmed Teen by Crime Watch Volunteer
Saturday, March 17, 2012
By: Nicole Creston

March 17, 2012 | WMFE - Seven 911 tapes have been released in the Orlando-area shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a white neighborhood watch volunteer. The volunteer is claiming self-defense, but emergency calls from nearby residents seem to reveal 17-year-old Trayvon Martin calling for help in the moments before he was shot to death.

  

In one neighbor’s call to 911, the loud crack of a gunshot is clear. It’s preceded by what sounds like screams for help.

From outside: Help! (continues until gunshot)

Dispatcher: So you think he’s yelling help.

Caller: Yes.

Dispatcher: All right, what is your (gunshot) phone number (inaudible)?

Caller: Just…there’s gunshots.

Dispatcher: You just heard gunshots?

Caller: Yes.

Several other 911 calls have a similar theme.  The incident has sparked national outrage since police announced there wasn’t enough evidence to dispute the self-defense claim made by 28-year-old neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman.

Several protests have already been held at local African American churches and community centers. Reverend Al Sharpton and other activists are planning more events in Orlando in the coming days.