THE TRAYVON MARTIN CASE – AT 8:54 A.M. ET:  This will be a big day in the Martin case, which has now become a national event, and, to a degree, a national farce of the O.J. Simpson type.

A judge will decide today whether to grant bail to the shooter, George Zimmerman.  According to most of the analyses I've read, Zimmerman is an excellent candidate for bail.  He has no criminal record and he has ties to his community.  He turned himself in, negating the notion that he'd be a flight risk. 

Indeed, it seems the only reason a judge could deny jail in this explosive case is for political reasons – to once again placate those calling for Zimmerman's scalp.  This case is way overcharged.   Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder, and I've not seen one credible legal authority, commenting on the case, who believe that charge can be sustained.  Indeed, Alan Dershowitz of Harvard calls it unethical.

Reports out of Florida say that law enforcement is preparing for the possibility that Zimmerman will be released on bail, and that violence could follow.  Barriers are already up at the courthouse.  How disgraceful this has become.

At the same time, in a major development, ABC News has obtained a photo of George Zimmerman taken only minute after he did shoot and kill Trayvon Martin.  The story and photo are here.  (The photo is linked within the story.)  From the story:

A new photograph obtained exclusively by ABC News showing the bloodied back of George Zimmerman's head, which was apparently taken three minutes after he shot and killed Trayvon Martin, gives possible credence to his claim that Martin had bashed his head against the concrete as Zimmerman fought for his life.

The revelation comes as his attorney and prosecutors prepare for Zimmerman's bail hearing today, which could result in his being released from a Florida jail. Zimmerman, 28, is being held on charges of second-degree murder for the Feb. 26 shooting of Martin, 17, which could carry a life sentence if he is convicted.

The exclusive image shows blood trickling down the back of Zimmerman's head from two cuts. It also shows a possible contusion forming on the crown of his head. The original police report that night notes that the back of Zimmerman's head was wet, and that he was bleeding from the nose and head.

COMMENT:  If the photo can be authenticated, it's hard to believe any jury will convict this man of second-degree murder.  Indeed, it's hard to believe a judge would even permit the charge to be continued.  But I am not a lawyer, or an expert in the Florida legal process.  We have readers with better credentials.  Please write us your views.

April 20,  2012