Trayvon Martin’s Mother Sues HOA, Seeks Money From State Fund For Her Son’s Killing

Travyon Martin’s mother is suing the homeowner’s association of the gated community where her son was killed and is also seeking money from a state fund set up to help crime victims with funeral expenses and counseling.

Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, is asking for $75,000 from the HOA related to the February killing of her son, the Associated Press reported. Court documents filed last week by the community’s insurance company showed that she filed the claim, and the policy has a $1 million limit on payouts.

The insurance company — Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America — asked a judge to be relieved of its duty to defend the claim, saying it has a clause excluding it from paying for losses caused by or resulting in bodily injury.

Benjamin Crump, attorney for Trayvon’s mother and the Martin family said they are looking into possible claims with “all the insurance companies that might be applicable” and was looking to find out the exact limitations of the insurance, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

“It’s our job, as lawyers, to make sure that we protect our client’s interest,” Crump told the Sentinel.

Trayvon Martin was shot and killed Feb. 26 as he was walking back from a store. He was confronted by the self-appointed neighborhood watch leader, 28-year-old George Zimmerman, who had pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. Zimmerman claimed that he shot the 17-year-old in self defense under the state’s “stand your ground” law.

Zimmerman is free on $1 million bond as he awaits trial. He is scheduled for a hearing on the trial later this week.

Separate documents filed with Florida’s state crime victims’ fund show that Trayvon’s mother is seeking compensation, though the Associated Press noted that it is unclear how the money would be used. Payouts through the Crime Compensation Trust Fund can reach $30,000.

A March 29 letter from the Attorney General’s Office showed that Trayvon’s mother was deemed eligible for the benefits, but no check has been issued yet.