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Police chief steps down amid outrage over teen death

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    Bill Lee says he had become a distraction to the investigation

  • Duration 5:46
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Rally has just begun for a teenager who died at the hands of a self appointed neighborhood watch captain.

A live look at the scene Sanford of Florida Central Florida the Orlando where folks are gathering to remember that teenager.

-- -- -- And to demand justice for the man who killed him.

Young trade on Martin was walking home in a gated community last month.

He was not alarmed he was carrying a bag of Skittles for his little brother -- iced -- for himself.

A neighborhood watch -- named George Zimmermann who has called police dozens and dozens of times in the past for everything from garage doors open.

To potholes in the street.

This time called 911 to report -- -- -- He was suspicious.

He was quote up to no good.

Police told Zimmerman to back off.

He didn't and moments later he shot and killed that seventeen year old.

The shooter Zimmerman claims it was all self defense.

A police report indicates he was bleeding from his nose in the back of his neck they questioned him.

They did not arrested.

This afternoon -- police chief in Sanford Florida after lots of public pressure says he is temporarily stepping down from his position.

As he defended his department's actions in this investigation.

This comes after multiple very loud protests and a vote of no confidence by the city commissioners who run his town.

But that will clearly not be enough to satisfy satisfy the thousands who were demanding justice for this dead teenager.

And looking for someone to hold accountable for his death.

His mother commented on the police chief's decision just about ninety minutes ago.

He got there there -- probably heard me -- She said she wants an arrest she wants someone to be held accountable because her son is -- In minutes ago we learned that officials in Florida are reporting it independent prosecutor to take this case the feds involved in all of this is well.

Steve Harrigan fox top story live and our Florida newsroom the Department of Justice is now involves Steve -- reports it will leave no stern.

But stone unturned in this case.

Shepherd that phrase no stone unturned is certainly welcome news for the protesters and welcome news for Martin's family as well.

They've been pushing hard for a long time for federal involvement they openly said they don't trust the local police.

In this case but the real question is patience when you have growing numbers of angry people.

Will there be enough patience when so many are demanding immediate action.

-- -- Okay.

We.

And an investigation by the Department of Justice is expected to take weeks before -- concluded.

And that grand jury won't even Begin its work until April 10 shepherd and in the meantime the words from the police chief.

The defending of his department's actions and the temporary stepping down seems to have done very little if any good.

It may have done more harm than good it's really seen immediately by the protesters -- another half measure coming away.

In particular because the police chief says he's only stepping down temporarily.

While I stand by the Sanford police department gets personnel.

In the investigation that was conducted in regards to the trade on Martin case.

It is apparent that my involvement in this matter is overshadowing the process.

Therefore I have come to the decision.

That I must temporarily remove myself from the position that -- police chief for the city of Sanford.

That -- now in Sampras more than 2000 people many of them coming by bus from neighboring states.

Some wearing T shirts with skills on them also others wearing boxes of candy around their necks that's of course.

What -- -- on Martin purchased in that 7-Eleven before he was shot and killed -- Steve Harrigan in Florida continuing coverage throughout the hour as warranted.

Well 21 states have laws similar to Florida stage -- ground statute that specify you do not have to back down from confrontation.

Some of those laws indicate you don't ever have to retreat others apply only to attacks that happen inside your own home or on your own property.

Today I spoke with the state lawmaker who was -- prime sponsor of this law in Florida and he told our viewers it did just doesn't fit.

This law doesn't fit in the trade Bob -- shooting.

There is nothing in this statute that authorizes.

Perceived in confrontation.

And for that reason I think it simply does not apply in his words this is a self defense statute to defend yourself from a violent attack.

It says nothing about following an unarmed teenager after police tell you don't do that -- shooting that teenager dead in history.

So -- the rally continues this evening in Sanford Florida we are closely watching the developments will remind you that tonight.

There's still a seventeen year old boy who died for no apparent reason.

Their parents who have no answers at all and in Central Florida there is a self proclaimed neighborhood -- who has proven he is willing to kill.

Who tonight still has his gun permit.

And still walks free.

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