New Investigator Named in Trayvon Martin Shooting; Task Force to Review 'Stand Your Ground'

As the national uproar swelled over the failure of Sanford police to arrest the man who shot and killed an unarmed teenager, Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday announced a new attorney is taking over the state investigation.

Assistant State Attorney Angela B. Corey will replace Norman Wolfinger, who was viewed by some lawmakers -- particularly Sens. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, Oscar Braynon, D-Miami Gardens, and Chris Smith, D-Oakland Park --as having ties too close to the Sanford police to investigate the case.

The three called Wednesday for Scott to appoint a special prosecutor for the case.

Corey will report to a newly formed task force when her investigation is complete.

As law enforcement investigates the death of Trayvon Martin, Floridians and others around the country have rightly recognized this as a terrible tragedy, Scott said in a statement accompanying the announcement of Coreys appointment and the task forces formation. Like all Floridians, I believe we must take steps to ensure tragedies like this are avoided.

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll will lead the task force and the Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr., the pastor of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, will be its vice chairman. Other members will be appointed with the recommendations of Attorney General Pam Bondi; House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park; Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island; Senate President-designate Don Gaetz, R-Niceville; and House Speaker-designate Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.

The task force will conduct a review -- including public hearings -- of the states Stand Your Ground law.