ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Sanford police say the lead detective in the Trayvon Martin case has been reassigned to the patrol division at his request.
Christopher Serino recommended after his initial investigation that George Zimmerman be charged with manslaughter in the unarmed teenager's Feb. 26 shooting death. The 28-year-old neighborhood watch volunteer told police he feared for his life during the fight in which Martin slammed his head against the ground.
Zimmerman cited Florida's "stand your ground" law that gives wide latitude to people defending themselves. More than a month later after a nationwide outcry, Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder and has pleaded not guilty.
The police statement says Serino made the reassignment decision "of his own volition." He will begin his new assignment in July. He did not have a listed number.
I have to commend the officer. He did stand up first. the further from the cord racial cord of the department…He will be with the people. who will problely will save his job. the higher powers would just assume he quit. I am glad to see sum shake up..change the power structure. I wanna see sum mora heads roll….add sum black parody in the departments based on property taxes and live in the areas…..the old whites wit racist attitude and connections.. OUT. wit no pensions.