Similarities and Differences in Jordan Davis' and Trayvon Martin's Deaths

The two separate killings are drawing comparisons.

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Tragic Events - As details unfold in the shooting death of 17-year-old Jordan Davis, many critics are drawing comparisons to the Trayvon Martin case as both victims were young Black men shot and killed in seemingly avoidable violence. BET.com looks the common threads in these two tragic incidents. – Britt Middleton (Photos from left: Courtesy Jacksonville News, Facebook)

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Jordan's Fate - On Nov. 23, Jordan was shot and killed as he sat in an SUV with friends at a Jacksonville, Florida, gas station. Michael David Dunn, 45, allegedly fired eight shots into the vehicle because the group of teens refused to turn down their music, killing Jordan, who was sitting in the back seat and unarmed. (Photos: CNN)

A Promising Future - Both Trayvon and Jordan lived the lives of the typical high school student and were described by family members as bright, young men with promising futures. Jordan's death comes nearly 10 months to the day after Trayvon's. Both young men were just 17 years old. (Photos from left: Courtesy Examiner, ABC News)

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A Promising Future - Both Trayvon and Jordan lived the lives of the typical high school student and were described by family members as bright, young men with promising futures. Jordan's death comes nearly 10 months to the day after Trayvon's. Both young men were just 17 years old. (Photos from left: Courtesy Examiner, ABC News)

News, How to Respond If Zimmerman Is Acquitted

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Trayvon's Altercation - Similarly, Trayvon was shot and killed following an altercation with an armed individual, self-appointed neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman. Zimmerman said he followed Trayvon on the night of Feb. 26 because he looked suspicious as he walked home through a gated community in Sanford, Florida. 911 recordings appeared to capture Trayvon screaming for help. (Photos from left: Courtesy Trayvon Martin Family, REUTERS; ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE)

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Questions of Self-Defense - Zimmerman claims he was attacked by Trayvon and fired his weapon in self-defense. Dunn's lawyer has said Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law may come into play because he told police he saw a gun in the vehicle and felt threatened. The law allows people to use lethal force if they feel their life is in danger. No gun was found. (Photo: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/MCT/LANDOV)

Photo By Photo: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/MCT/LANDOV

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Murder Charges - Dunn is charged with second degree murder and is being held without bail at a Brevard County jail. Zimmerman is also charged with second-degree murder charges and his lawyer has said he would seek a traditional self-defense filing over the "Stand Your Ground" defense initially planned. The law has come under heavy scrutiny following Trayvon's death. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Trayvon and Jordan Were Both Unarmed - At the time of his death, Trayvon was carrying only a can of iced tea and a bag of Skittles candy, which would become symbolic in public outcry over his death. Authorities found no weapon on Jordan or inside the vehicle he was sitting in. (Photos from left: Courtesy Wikicommons, Skittles.com)

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Trayvon and Jordan Were Both Unarmed - At the time of his death, Trayvon was carrying only a can of iced tea and a bag of Skittles candy, which would become symbolic in public outcry over his death. Authorities found no weapon on Jordan or inside the vehicle he was sitting in. (Photos from left: Courtesy Wikicommons, Skittles.com)

Questions of Racial Profiling - Both Trayvon's and Jordan's killings spurred national outcry over racial profiling against young Black males. Zimmerman followed Trayvon through the neighborhood against police orders, and neighbors described him as being prejudiced toward Black men. Dunn, who is white, exchanged words with Jordan, fired at the vehicle and left the scene after the incident, according to police. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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Questions of Racial Profiling - Both Trayvon's and Jordan's killings spurred national outcry over racial profiling against young Black males. Zimmerman followed Trayvon through the neighborhood against police orders, and neighbors described him as being prejudiced toward Black men. Dunn, who is white, exchanged words with Jordan, fired at the vehicle and left the scene after the incident, according to police. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)