Neighborhood Watch Co-Capt. Defends Zimmerman in Martin Murder

Frank Taffe says he wishes he can bring Trayvon Martin back

A fellow neighborhood watch captain who knows George Zimmerman is defending him in the murder of Trayvon Martin, according to NBC Miami.

The Sanford resident, Frank Taffe, said that he shot Martin because of numerous burglaries in the complex they live in — The Retreat at Twin Lakes.

Taffe alleged that there have been eight robberies in the last 15 months, and all of them have been allegedly committed by black males.

"The stage was already set. It was a perfect storm,” Taaffe said. “I think any time you use a weapon, there are certain anger issues working.”

A few residents of the gated community told NBC Miami that there was tension amongst the different ethnicities in the neighborhood.

“I think he had fed-up issues. He was mad as hell and wasn't going to take it anymore,” Taaffe said of Zimmerman.

He insisted, however, that Zimmerman cared about all his neighbors.

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"George is a congenial, amiable, admirable person,” he said. "He had a passion and a care for this neighborhood to ensure the safety of everybody here. And, furthermore, George is no Rambo."

Taffe believes Zimmerman acted in self-defense and is not a racist.

"It’s really sad that he's already been convicted in the public media and has already been sentenced to the gas chamber,” Taaffe said. “Let's let justice do its job."

At the same time, Martin’s death is “devastating,” he said.

”It's a tragic event – we can’t bring that boy back,” he said. “I wish we could.”

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