FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Dec. 11, 2013

Prosecutors No File Zimmerman Domestic Violence Case

            State Attorney Phil Archer announced today (Dec. 11) that the state will not file charges against George Zimmerman who was arrested for aggravated assault, battery-domestic violence, and criminal mischief on November 18 based on a complaint by Ms. Samantha Scheibe.

            Archer said that it was clear that there was probable cause for the arrest by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office which, he said, “as usual, did a thorough and highly professional job of investigating this case.”

            “However, upon reviewing the recent affidavit of  Ms. Scheibe and taking into account the conflicting statements about what occurred, the failure to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, and a lack of any other corroborating evidence or witnesses, there is no reasonable likelihood of successful prosecution,” Archer said. The state has a burden in every criminal case of being able to prove all the elements of a crime beyond and to the exclusion of a reasonable doubt before filing charges. The facts and evidence of this case do not meet that burden, Archer said. 

            Archer went on to say that domestic violence is a serious matter that is “of great concern” to law enforcement and the community. He said this incident provides an opportunity to strongly urge anyone who is experiencing conflict in their relationships to seek counseling and find help to prevent future incidents. 

            Archer said there will be no further criminal charges arising from this incident.