Murdered in a Hoodie

About the Book

Combining expert forensic analysis with a diligent legal examination, this book exposes overlooked evidence, procedural error, and systemic failures that shaped the ruling of the George Zimmerman trial. With unparalleled professional knowledge of case materials and a scientific approach to uncovering the previously neglected facts, the authors expose how the justice system failed Trayvon Martin—not only in providing accountability for a senseless murder, but in confronting the deep racial biases that pervade law enforcement and judicial institutions.

Murdered in a Hoodie serves as a broader indictment of the individuals who allowed racial prejudice to corrupt their professional obligations and a legal system that often fails to protect marginalized communities. It explores the cultural climate that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement and the critical demand for reform. Although the murder occurred over a decade ago, its analysis continues to shed light on contemporary social issues, including the persistent presence of structural racism in the United States.

About the Co-Author

J. Cheney Mason has been an active trial lawyer for approximately 54 years. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in 1970 and began private law practice in Orlando, Florida.

He specializes in criminal defense and marital and family law. He is Board Certified as a criminal trial law specialist by both the Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Mr. Mason’s career includes numerous high-profile cases. His first trial in a First-Degree Murder case was in 1972. The most notorious murder case was as the senior counsel defending Casey Anthony in her sensational trial in 2011 and he has tried six First-Degree Murder Trials since then.

Among other high-profile cases was the successful criminal defense trial of Miami Police Major Aaron Campbell who had been profile stopped and wrongfully prosecuted, resulting in the frequently thereafter used mantra “Driving While Black.” Mr. Mason has presented jury trials in an estimated 350 cases over the last 54 years, many of which have essentially become the “history” in criminal law quarters.

He is the recipient of numerous awards from a variety of professional organizations including being awarded the highest professional award by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the “Heeney Award,” received in 2004. He served as an NGO Delegate to the United Nations in Vienna, Austria representing the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in the International Symposium on Human Trafficking. He also received the highest award annually bestowed by the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Goldstein Award, presented in 2022.

Murdered in a Hoodie

Releasing October 17th

About the Book

About the Co-Author