I've seen enough "rent a cops" over the years to recognize most of this breed is here because they didn't make the cut but still need the power trip.
By all means, if someone is pounding your head into the ground and smashing your face.....DEFEND YOURSELF! At the same time don't be a dumbass and extend your authority to the point you feel your above the real police who advised you NOT TO ENGAGE!
GZ thought he was the bigger man and had it all under control....right until he disregarded what he was told and decided to step into a situation we he got a surprise ass beating. Because Florida has some ridiculous law that allows you to put yourself in a dumb position and kill someone over removing yourself from this situation is nothing less than wrong.
I can buy a gun, move to Florida and put myself in all kinds of dangerous positions with nothing to worry about now. As soon as I get myself in over my head and I'm scared for my life, I can kill the other person no questions asked. I just "stood my ground". I really don't have to consider what I've done to get myself into that position because now it doesn't matter....as long as I'm scared for my life.
Few may feel sorry for Martin because we now know this kid was not the good brother just going to get candy. He was making drugs with that candy, was caught with stolen items and tools and was on the wrong track. Problem is none of that truly has any bearing on what went on that night.
There was no reason for GZ to kill Martin, GZ created the situation by forcing himself into a circumstance he was neither obligated or prepared to do. The ridiculous part is we have laws that support and protect this behavior and that gives some people the confidence to do reckless things. Had this been the son of a rich man or even in another state, things probably would have come out different regardless of the kids background.