Social Justice
Prosecution rests its case against George Zimmerman
The prosecution on Friday rested its case against George Zimmerman, who’s on trial for second degree murder for the shooting death of Florida teen, Trayvon Martin.
The prosecution on Friday rested its case against George Zimmerman, who’s on trial for second degree murder for the shooting death of Florida teen, Trayvon Martin.
Prosecution in George Zimmerman trial
The state’s case lasted nearly nine days of testimony from witnesses including Rachel Jeantel, the last person to speak with Trayvon, Martin’s mother and brother, a medical examiner who conducted Martin’s autopsy, a DNA analyst, numerous neighbors, first responders and police officers who witnessed the aftermath. The prosecution is trying to prove that Zimmerman committed second degree murder, and not self-defense as he claims.
In opening statements, prosecutors recounted Zimmerman’s statements, which some have called racist, used in the Feb. 26th, 2012 non emergency call to report Trayvon as a suspicious person. The state says Zimmerman profiled and labeled Martin as a criminal, and shot him because he wanted to.
But Zimmerman’s defense attorneys, allege Zimmerman shot in self-defense because he was viciously attacked, and fighting for his life.
As the prosecution rested its case, defense attorney Mark O’Mara asked the judge for an acquittal.
“What is before the court is an enormous amount of information that my client acted in necessary self-defense,” O’Mara said, asking for the judgment of acquittal.
O’Mara argued there wasn’t enough substantial information presented by the prosecution to convict Zimmerman on second-degree murder charges.
“There’s nothing to support my client did anything to re-engage or to engage Mr. Martin whatsoever,” O’Mara said.
His acquittal motion was denied . A jury will decide Zimmerman’s fate.
On Friday, Martin’s mother and brother took the stand to testify. Both testified stating it was Martin on the 911 call screaming for help. Who is screaming on the tape has been a crucial part of the case. The defense was able to block a prosecution expert who identified as Martin screaming for help.
A voice expert testified before the jury that it’s impossible to scientifically analyze who was screaming on the call, but that someone familiar with the voice – such as a family member – might have a “better chance” of identifying it.
In addition, medical examiner Dr. Shiping Bao, who performed Trayvon’s autopsy, testified he had been alive and suffered for 10 minutes. He also testified there were no injuries on his hands to indicate he was a physical fight.
During a press conference, O’Mara stated he wasn’t sure if he would call Zimmerman to the stand.
The defense is preparing to rest its case.
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