That still doesn't mean he's not guilty of manslaughter. If you attack or threaten someone and they fight back and you kill him to protect yourself, you are the one who precipitated the attack and caused the death to happen.

Regardless of the circumstances of the shooting, it is important to remember that Martin went to the store to buy a snack while visiting his father. Zimmerman stalked and accosted a total stranger while armed, without badge, uniform or authority, against direct police advice. None of these facts are in dispute.

It is to prevent just this type of incident that my local sheriff gave everyone participating in my neighborhood watch program specific training in how to handle this situation. We are absolutely forbidden to carry firearms (even if we have a concealed carry permit), or interacting aggressively with suspects. We must wear a distinctive uniform, carry a picture ID card pinned to our shirt, and drive a marked police cruiser.

Those are the details which should be addressed and clarified, not who screamed, or the past marijuana use of the participants.