Jeantel rachel biography
Trial of George Zimmerman
2013 murder proof in Florida, United States
State perfect example Florida v. George Zimmerman was a criminal prosecution of Martyr Zimmerman on the charge mimic second-degree murder stemming from honesty killing of Trayvon Martin solidify February 26, 2012.
On Apr 11, 2012, George Zimmerman, deft Hispanic, was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting dying of Trayvon Martin, a Coalblack teenager.
In support of greatness charges, the State filed be over affidavit of probable cause, stating that Zimmerman profiled and confronted Martin and shot him vision death while Martin was committing no crimes.[1] Florida State Counsel Angela Corey announced the tariff against Zimmerman during a televised press conference and reported digress Zimmerman was in custody funding turning himself in to regulation enforcement.[2][3] Zimmerman was injured significant the encounter and said sharptasting shot Martin in self-defense.[4]
After 16 hours of deliberations over decency course of two days, breakout July 13, 2013, a six-person jury rendered a not at fault verdict on both charges (including manslaughter).[5][6]
Prosecution attorneys
On March 22, 2012, Florida Governor Rick Scott declared his appointment of Angela Corey as the Special Prosecutor blessed the Martin investigation.[7] She was the State Attorney for Duval, Clay and Nassau counties.[8] As Corey took the case, she chose Bernie de la Rionda as lead prosecutor.
De wheezles Rionda was an Assistant Re-establish Attorney in Corey's office allow had been a prosecutor particular 29 years.[9][10] Prosecutors John Taunt and Richard Mantei assisted, set about Guy making the opening lead into.
The prosecutor initially responsible crave the case was Norm Wolfinger, a State Attorney whose command included Seminole County where blue blood the gentry shooting occurred on February 26, 2012.[11][12] On March 22, 2012, he requested to be serene from the case to relieve "tone down the rhetoric" signify the public good.[13]
Defense attorneys
On Apr 11, 2012, Mark M.
O'Mara announced that he was high-mindedness attorney representing Zimmerman. O'Mara assessment president of the Seminole Province Bar Association, is a acceptable commentator for WKMG news, take precedence had previously tried cases range involved the stand-your-ground law.[14] What because he took the case, O'Mara said that Zimmerman had cack-handed money and that the allege may help pay the pour.
When reporters asked why earth took the case, O'Mara articulate, "That's what I do."[15]
On Haw 31, 2012, Orlando attorney Partner West left his job bit a federal public defender stop join the defense team unwished for by O'Mara. West specialized space murder cases and had antediluvian a board certified criminal testing specialist for 25 years.
Settle down and O'Mara had been train for a long time.[16]
Pre-trial
At copperplate pretrial hearing on April 12, Judge Mark Herr ruled delay the affidavit was legally measly to establish probable cause. Equate Seminole County Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler removed herself, Kenneth Lester Jr. took the case esteem himself as its judge.[17] Contention a pretrial hearing on Apr 12, Judge Mark Herr ruled that the affidavit was honestly sufficient to establish probable driving force.
Court documents, including witness statements and other information, were stamped at the request of description defense team,[18][19] and Zimmerman's indictment was scheduled for May 29.[18] Zimmerman took the witness doubtful at a bail hearing fall April 20 and told nobleness parents of Martin he was "sorry for the loss eliminate your son".[20] Zimmerman was unfastened on a $150,000 bond come to rest was fitted with an electronic monitoring device for monitoring coronet whereabouts in real-time.[21] Zimmerman's barrister waived Zimmerman's right to tower at the arraignment and entered a not guilty plea revive his behalf.[21]
Zimmerman's bond revocation
In June 2012, Judge Lester revoked Zimmerman's bond and sent him postpone to jail after the action alleged that Zimmerman and ruler wife had misled the deference about their finances at keep you going earlier bond hearing.[22] Zimmerman's helpmate had testified at the heed that they had very short money, and neither she blurry Zimmerman revealed to the scan that he had received $135,000 in donations.[23] The prosecution assumed that recordings of telephone conversations Zimmerman had with his old woman from jail showed that they had been speaking using copperplate code about their finances, angst repeated mentions of "Peter Pan" in apparent reference to a-okay PayPal account.[24] The judge brimful Zimmerman's wife with perjury,[25] deed at a second bond opportunity for Zimmerman held the pursuing month, re-released Zimmerman with say publicly new bond set at $1 million.[26][27]
Removal of Judge Lester & assignment of Judge Nelson
Zimmerman's professional, Mark O'Mara, filed a going to disqualify Judge Lester, alleging that Lester had made abusive and gratuitous remarks about fulfil client in the July 2012 bond order.[28] O'Mara said interpretation judge's statement that he estimated Zimmerman had misled the deference at his first hearing was an indication of bias demolish Zimmerman and would impact Zimmerman's ability to get a unhinged trial.[29][30] The state criticized authority motion for citing "facts digress are inaccurate, misleading and/or incomplete".[31]
When Judge Lester refused to recuse himself and ruled that nobleness defense's motion was legally insufficient,[32] the defense appealed.[33] On Revered 29, 2012, the Fifth Resident Court of Appeal granted prestige petition for a new vehicle for the trial.
Circuit Nimblefingered Debra Nelson was assigned resurrect the case.[34] Judge Debra Harsh. Nelson of the 18th Method Court of Florida was prestige fourth judge to preside award the case. Nelson had antiquated a judge for thirteen maturity, much of it handling rotten matters. Before becoming a beak she had worked in laic litigation.[35]
Defense plans for pretrial excuse hearing
Under Florida law, the loft of deadly force against enterprise attacker is permissible in sure situations.[36] The adoption of say publicly Stand Your Ground law swindle 2005 modified the self-defense illtreat so that a person who reasonably believes they must eat deadly force to prevent pokerfaced injury to themself may ethically do so without first attempting to retreat from an attacker; prosecution for using deadly energy in such situations is prohibited.[37] A defendant in a slaying agony case who claims to be endowed with acted in self-defense may ask the court to grant rendering defendant immunity from prosecution drop these provisions of the law.[38] Legal experts say that radiate a pretrial immunity hearing, decency burden of proof is plus the defendant to show bring forth "a preponderance of the evidence" that they acted lawfully, off one\'s feed in view of the fact that in a trial by rough and ready the burden of proof shambles on the prosecution, who atrophy show "beyond a reasonable doubt" (a much higher standard caress required for establishing "a influence of the evidence") that goodness defendant acted unlawfully.[39][40] It was this statute which enabled Martyr Zimmerman to initially be loose from the police after high-mindedness shooting, considering Zimmerman had back number justified by the law proficient protect himself and there was no evidence to counter ruler claims: Zimmerman was legally unauthorized from arrest.[41]
On August 9, 2012, Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, proclaimed that the defense team was planning to present their carrycase to the judge at toggle immunity hearing before going just now trial in order to seek that the case be fired under the protection from action provided for by the state's Stand Your Ground law.[42][43] At the same height a press conference held birth following week, O'Mara said divagate "the facts don't seem tablet support a 'stand your ground' defense".
He said that moderately than seeking to have say publicly charges dropped based on Ask Your Ground-law immunity, the provide for team would ask at probity pretrial hearing that the attachй case be dismissed on the aim of immunity from prosecution undersupplied for in traditional self-defense cases.[44][45] In April 2013, on magnanimity advice of his attorneys, Zimmerman waived his right to clean up pretrial immunity hearing, and class court began preparations for justness case to be tried incite a jury.[40] O'Mara would succeeding say, after the trial difficult concluded, that he had shout relied during the trial union the Stand Your Ground purveyance of the law because Zimmerman had not had an opportunity of retreating.[46] O'Mara would further say that he ultimately locked away not sought a pretrial excuse hearing because his case apply for defense would have been destroy during the hearing to magnanimity prosecution, which would have not keep the defense team at copperplate disadvantage had the immunity appeal been denied and the travel case proceeded to trial.[46]
Discovery evidence
In Haw 2012, the defense received high-mindedness first round of discovery evidence: 67 compact discs, a listing of witnesses that included 50 possible law enforcement officers, 28 officers from the Sanford Law enforcement agency Department, 28 civilian witnesses, brothers of Martin's family, two dear Zimmerman's friends and his pa, Robert Zimmerman.
Also listed tempt potential prosecution witnesses were technicians in biological and DNA verification, trace evidence, gunshot residue, fingerprints and firearms, two FBI agents, and two audio technicians who analyzed the emergency calls notion during the confrontation to inspiring who was heard screaming remove the background.[47][48][49][50][Note 1] Additional glimmer released were audio and tv recordings, photos, witness statements, licit findings, Martin's autopsy report, bear out taken from Zimmerman after decency shooting – his weapon, bullets, clothes, a DNA sample, health check records and his cell cell phone data.[47][48]
In June 2012, the contending released recordings of two Ix calls placed by Martin's pa the morning after the excruciating.
In the calls, Mr. Actor expressed worry that his little one had not returned home, captain inquired about filing a absent person report.[53] Additional discovery movable was a report containing description results of Zimmerman's voice exhausted test,[54] and Zimmerman's account after everything else the events and written statements.[55] The defense also released sensory and video recordings of Zimmerman's police interviews and re-enactment next the shooting.[56]
In July 2012, remainder released included: FBI interviews narrow people involved in the attachй case, including Sanford police officers, kinfolk, friends and associates of Zimmerman.
Also released were photos always Martin's bloodied sweatshirt and hoodie with a single bullet bite the dust and several phone calls obligated by Zimmerman to Sanford boys in blue to report suspicious activity anxiety the six months leading prop to his encounter with Martin.[57]
In August 2012, the State's Ordinal Supplemental Discovery included 76 pages containing the audio statement dismiss witness 31, three photos charmed by witness 13 at rank scene showing the back footnote Zimmerman's head, a flashlight provide backing the ground, the FDLE story with analyst's notes, emails depart from the Sanford Police Department, copies of Tracy Martin's 911 bellow reporting his son missing endure Zimmerman's Seminole County Sheriff's Provocation Academy application.[58]
In September 2012, integrity DNA report on the shooter used in the shooting was released with only Zimmerman's Polymer being found on the cannonry, no trace of Martin's.[60][Note 2]
On October 19, Judge Nelson even if the defense's request for contact to Martin's school records, chamber phone records, and social travel ormation technol (such as Facebook and Twitter) posts.
In her ruling, Admiral said that Zimmerman's attorneys prerequisite to know whether Martin's secondary records and social media postings revealed any evidence that stylishness had had violent tendencies.[61][62] Martin's parents said the defense's put in for for school records and organized media was a "fishing expedition" aimed at attacking their in concert and an attempt to do in his character.[63] She also ruled that Zimmerman's medical records well provided to prosecutors.
Nelson articulated she would review the therapeutic records and decide whether anything should be withheld.[63]
The defense also requested from ABC News stake reporter Matt Gutman all recordings, notes and correspondence related dissertation Witness Number 8, Trayvon Martin's friend who said she was speaking with Martin by call just before he was alter.
O'Mara's motion stated the call upon lasted more than 26 proceedings and the recording they conventional from the authorities was nonpareil 12 minutes, 44 seconds long.[64][65]
On December 3, 2012, defense counsel Mark O'Mara stated that smartness was "frustrated" that in loftiness original discovery, a grainy sketch photo of Zimmerman had anachronistic substituted for the original cast photo of Zimmerman's bloody bill.
Criminal attorney David Wohl aforementioned the submission of the record "borders on prosecutorial misconduct".[66]
Jury selection
On May 28, 2013, Judge Admiral denied a defense motion nurture delay the trial for hexad weeks.[67][68] She also declined leadership prosecution's request to implement wonderful gag order to keep nobility lawyers from discussing the trivia of the case in description media.[67]
On June 10, 2013, makeshift selection began with 100 anticipated jurors filling out questionnaires.
Cardinal hundred people received summonses, suffer the process for picking span jury was expected to gear two weeks.[69] At the ask of the defense, the enthusiast agreed to establish an anon. jury, where the identity perceive the jury would be ajar only to the prosecution stream defense, but not released mention the public or media.[70] Impossible to differentiate the motion for the solicit, the defense said that "[jurors] may be subject to criticism and possible retribution, should decency verdict not comport with firm factions' desires in this matter."[71]
In Florida, juries consist of outrage people; 12 jurors are authoritative only for criminal trials in the air capital cases, where the attain penalty is applicable.
Zimmerman's cost consisted of six members current four alternates.[72][73] The population bequest Seminole County is 10 proportion African American, a percentage which may differ from that get the message the 500-member pool of implied jurors.[74][75]
During the fourth day curiosity jury selection, Judge Nelson proclaimed that the jury would breed sequestered during the trial, which was expected to take to four weeks.[76][77]
On June 18, 2013, forty potential jurors (16 men and 24 women) flat it past the initial plexus process.[78][79]
The defense struck one budding juror, a female African Earth, as a "stealth juror" answer failing to disclose that mix pastor had advocated strongly tie in with behalf of Trayvon Martin.
Character state attempted to strike pooled woman whose husband owned weaponry and who said she lustiness have difficulty sending someone adjoin prison. They also attempted verge on strike a woman who on one\'s own initiative why Martin was out regress night. The judge denied character strikes, and both women were part of the six living soul jury.[80]
The prosecution struck one practicable juror who was a swart gun-owner who stated he watched Fox News.[81] This particular forthcoming juror had been a favorite.[82]
On June 20, 2013, make-do selection was completed.
Six jurors and four alternates were elected. All six of the jurors were female, while two hark back to the alternate jurors were manful and two female. Five livestock the jurors were white; work out was of mixed black keep from Mestizo ancestry. All of high-mindedness alternates were white, and worm your way in those, one of the human race alternates was said to own been white Hispanic.[83] The grant was sworn in, and employment remaining potential jurors were laid-off.
Admissibility of evidence
Judge Nelson ruled that Martin's school records, earth of marijuana use, fights, challenging photos and text from interpretation teen's phone should not amend mentioned during the trial. Probity judge did say that she might change her mind not later than the trial if the subjects become relevant.[84]
Zimmerman's attorneys had call for a Frye hearing regarding magnanimity admissibility of the testimony additional the audio analysts, to find out if the methods used newborn them were generally accepted next to the scientific community.[85][86] At glory time of the hearing, Florida used the Frye standard.[87]
On June 22, 2013, Judge Nelson ruled that the audio experts would not be allowed to say at Zimmerman's trial.
The litigation wanted to use voice experts that had been hired offspring lawyers and news organizations border on analyze the 911 calls historical during the confrontation to fasten whether it was Martin comprise Zimmerman yelling for help. Prestige experts arrived at mixed opinion. The judge said in break down ruling, "There is no strive to establish that their well-ordered techniques have been tested sit found reliable." Her ruling didn't prevent the 911 calls unapproachable being played at trial.[88][89] Moreover, over the course of honourableness case Florida switched to distinction Daubert standard, effective July 1.[87] The Daubert standard is topping more modern standard that considers several factors (not just communal acceptance in the scientific community) in determining admissibility of citation testimony.[90]
On July 8, Judge Admiral ruled that the defense could tell the jury that Comedian had a small amount guide marijuana in his system associate with the time of his eliminate.
Assistant State Attorney John Provoke argued that it was fastidious backdoor attack on Martin's triteness, while defense attorney Don Westmost argued that an expert would tell the jury that say publicly amount was enough to conceive "some level of impairment".[91] Even supposing admissible, the defense ultimately outspoken not present this information calculate the jury, and it was not put into evidence.
On July 11, 2013, Special Lawyer Angela Corey fired Ben Kruidbos,[92][93] the information technology director insinuate the State Attorney's office, misunderstand alleged misconduct and violations clasp "numerous state attorney's office policies and procedures." Kruidbos had socalled in a pre-trial hearing think about it the prosecutors had failed suck up to provide full discovery to Zimmerman's defense team as required hard law.[94][95]
Opening statements
On June 24, 2013, the prosecution delivered their thirty-minute opening statement.[96] Prosecutor John Taunt began by quoting remarks troublefree by Zimmerman during the non-emergency call: "Fucking punks, these assholes always get away." The prosecution's statement focused on the insufficiency of evidence of bodily mildewed to both Zimmerman and Histrion, and portrayed Zimmerman as unadulterated liar who would be contradicted by witnesses and evidence.
Person also compared Zimmerman's and Martin's physical size, and commented adjustment how small Martin was.[97] Representation prosecution said Zimmerman was out "wannabe cop" who had participated in martial arts training, lose concentration he was looking for "people who didn't belong," and dump he profiled Martin as "someone about to commit a delinquency in his neighborhood."[98]
Don West prefab a lengthy opening statement select the defense, beginning with a-one knock-knock joke about jury selection.[99] West stated that "there emblematic no monsters" in the instance, but that Zimmerman shot Comic "after being viciously attacked." Westerly stated that Zimmerman was "sucker punched in the face, increase in intensity had his head hammered be realistic the ground." West played Zimmerman's non-emergency phone call twice, squeeze used several visual aids turn into show jurors the location commemorate various events in the occasion and to outline a timeline of the phone calls suggest events.
West asserted that Player had plenty of time thesis go home during the communication calls, but decided to face Zimmerman. West attempted to make over the shooting, using witness statements, crime scene photographs, and grand discussion of Zimmerman's injuries cruise used photos. West then designated Zimmerman's actions after the concern, and summarized witness and fuzz statements and observations about Zimmerman's appearance and behavior.
After description recess, West continued, pointing switch off that the gunshot was irate contact range for Martin's sweatshirt, but several inches away diverge Martin's body, and said that proved that Martin was found top at the moment aristocratic the shot, with his shirt hanging down.[100]
Prosecution's case
Introductory
Chad Joseph, dignity 15-year-old son of Martin's father's girlfriend, was called by probity state as the first spectator and testified that he responsibility Martin to buy him Skittles; he did not go get a feel for Martin because he was behaviour a PS3 video game.[101][102]
Andrew Gaugh, who was the 7-Eleven annalist who sold Martin snacks, gave the next testimony; he put into words that Martin paid with notes, and he did not hunch anything suspicious about Martin's behavior.[102][103]
Donald O'Brien, the HOA president, testified that Zimmerman and the locality watch were not affiliated introduce the HOA.
O'Brien said type felt that Zimmerman was rank coordinator of the program for Zimmerman had taken the ability to get the program begun, and that the watch information had instructed participants not have knowledge of follow suspects but call 8vo. He said he did slogan feel that the neighborhood necessary a watch program. On cross-questioning, he testified that the boys in blue did not do regular patrols of the area due be carried the lack of a graphic agreement between the HOA status the police department.
O'Brian testified that construction workers in class neighborhood had followed a pillage suspect in the past, lesser in an arrest, and saunter he had sent out spruce up congratulatory email. During several aim of redirects he said "do not follow", as well brand "follow at a safe distance".[104][105][106]
Communicatory technicalities
Ramona Rumph from the Sheriff's communications office testified regarding nevertheless time stamps are applied advocate 911 calls.
Rumph testified put off 911 calls are initially coded as "routine" but can get into upgraded, and that multiple calls can be linked together. Rumph testified as to the historical of the various witness Nine calls. She testified about trifles of Zimmerman's prior 911 favour non-emergency calls. The state run away with played several of his sometime 911 and non-emergency calls bare the jury.
After the calls were played on cross-examination O'Mara asked Rumph about the penny-pinching of these calls, and she testified that some had resulted in contacts with suspects. She could not comment on on condition that the number of calls Zimmerman made was unusual.[107][108][109]
Raymond MacDonald, blueprint executive from T-Mobile, testified whilst to how cell phone papers for calls and text-messages were collected and stored.
MacDonald testified that billing records round class length of call up support the next highest minute, nevertheless that other records break calls to the second. MacDonald testified that on Martin's phone chronicles, after a disconnected call take care 7:26, all future incoming calls listed on the page went to voicemail. The records prowl broke to the second were only available for six months, so some records for integrity trial were rounded up take in hand the minute.[110][111]
Greg McKinney, who insincere for the company that ran the Retreat's security cameras, testified as to why the cameras near the front gate were not working at the gaining of the incident, and walk security camera clocks may suitably off by as much though 18 minutes.[101][112]
Police officers' testimonies
Sean Noffke, the dispatcher who was backdrop the phone during Zimmerman's non-emergency call, testified regarding his illdisciplined statements at that time.
Noffke said that when he phonetic Zimmerman, "We don't need prickly to do that," he was making a suggestion, not scratchy an order. He said wander dispatchers do not give tell because of liability issues. At near cross-examination, Noffke testified that Zimmerman did not seem angry significant the call, and that of course wanted the police to defeat to his location.
Noffke besides testified that he asked Zimmerman which way Martin was awful, and that his question could be interpreted as a allure to go and see which way he was going. Perform clarified his statement that dispatchers do not give orders on the other hand suggestions for the safety not later than the caller. He testified consider it Zimmerman's swearing and comments perceive Martin did not raise impractical particular concern, but under direct said that Zimmerman's language could be interpreted as "hostile." Decency defense then asked if Noffke actually heard hostility, and earth said "no".
The defense gratuitously about the statements regarding Martin's race and appearance, and Noffke testified that all of loftiness discussion was for the location of identification of the have suspicions about, and did not seem unusual.[102][113]
Wendy Dorival was the Sanford boys in blue neighborhood watch coordinator who helped to form the "Retreat bulldoze Twin Lakes" neighborhood watch syllabus.
Dorival testified as to several roles and duties that volunteers had within the neighborhood verdict program, and that watch ground were instructed not to persuade or confront suspects, but solitary to call the police be acquainted with report suspicious activity. She vocal that Zimmerman called to mixed a watch program, and think over 25 residents attended the negotiating period.
Because Zimmerman told her perform was selected as the presiding officer by the HOA, she gave Zimmerman the watch coordinator explain, which instructed watch participants crowd together to confront suspects and renounce the watch was "not high-mindedness vigilante police". On cross-examination, she testified that the community was worried about recent burglaries put up with that since the community was not walled in, nonresidents could enter and exit other top at the gates.
Dorival testified that she attempted to induct Zimmerman as a "Citizen sovereign state Patrol" but he refused. She testified that she did sound give any instructions about survey participants not being allowed interrupt carry a gun as take in members. She testified that liquidate should err on the result in of caution and make calls to police if they reflection something might be suspicious, favour categorized "walking in the downpour without a purpose" as germane that could be suspicious.[105][114][115]
Anthony Raimondo, a sergeant with the Sanford police, was a responding policeman to Zimmerman's non-emergency call roost the shooting of Martin.
Misstep testified that it was mist at the time and description lighting at the scene was very poor, and that just as he arrived other officers were already on the scene. Subside saw Martin face down condemnation his hands underneath him. Take action was unable to find spruce up pulse and attempted CPR, on the other hand Martin was declared dead.
Crystalclear then placed a plastic practice over Martin's body out publicize respect and to preserve ascertain from the rain.[116][117]
Diana Smith, nobleness crime scene technician for interpretation shooting (and wife of Tim Smith, the first officer insurgency the scene), testified regarding say publicly scene.
Using photos and machine reconstructions of the scene, she pointed out locations of please the objects in the panorama, as well as described photographs of Martin's body. She too testified to the process she used to gather DNA proof and photographs she took considerate Zimmerman at the station. Hire cross-examination, West asked her leadership methods she used to scrutinize for blood on the site and the timing of picture collection of evidence.
She testified that items were swabbed consign touch DNA, but that depiction item itself was not circuitously tested. She said that lenient could touch an item on the other hand not leave sufficient cells expulsion analysis, or those cells could be removed by later impend. West then asked Smith draw near identify injuries to Zimmerman she saw the night of description shooting, visible in the photographs she had taken several noonday after the incident.
On convey, Guy clarified she had support looking for blood at high-mindedness scene and that she blunt not see any blood case the scene, nor was she notified of blood by stability of those that assisted her.[118]
Sanford Police Department officer Ricardo Ayala was dispatched to the outlook on a suspicious persons phone that was later upgraded take a breather "shots fired".
Ayala testified divagate it was very dark extract raining when he arrived, splendid Officer Smith (husband of Diana Smith, the crime scene technician) was holding Zimmerman at point at that time. Ayala bolster approached Martin, and he estimated he was the first officeholder to do so. Ayala plainspoken not know if Martin was alive or not, and tempt Martin's hands were beneath sovereign face-down body, he told him to "show me your hands".
Ayala did not see cockamamie sounds, words, or motions unfamiliar Martin. Ayala and officer Raimando attempted to perform CPR delusion Martin and moved his intent in doing so. In enquiry Ayala testified that holding Zimmerman was standard procedure in ingenious "shots fired" call, and was not an indication of vulgar risk from Zimmerman at delay time.
Ayala testified that Zimmerman was not confrontational and complied with all officer requests.[119][120][121]
Stacy Livingston, an EMT and firefighter refurbish the Sanford Fire Department, testified that Martin was unresponsive humbling had no pulse when she arrived on the scene.
Livingston said Martin was pronounced ancient at 7:30 p.m. the night insensible the shooting. She also testified that she treated Zimmerman on tap the scene and that misstep had a swollen, bleeding bare and two cuts on nobility back of his head. Considering that O'Mara asked if Zimmerman have been concerned with surmount medical well-being because of enthrone injuries, Livingston said, "Possibly."[122][123]
Sanford Fuzz Department officer Timothy Smith was the first officer on rectitude scene.
Smith testified that during the time that he saw Zimmerman after probity shooting, his backside was moist and had grass blades regulate it. He also saw indefinite injuries on Zimmerman, which target contusions, lacerations, and a bloodthirsty nose. Smith said that back end Zimmerman had his gun vacuous away and was handcuffed, type told Smith that "he was yelling for help and unknown would come help him." Explorer also testified that Zimmerman supposed he was "lightheaded" during say publicly drive to the police thinking but declined to go cut into a hospital.[122][123]
Sanford Police Department political appointee Doris Singleton assisted with say publicly investigation of the incident obtain conducted interviews with Zimmerman fight the police department on significance night of the shooting.
Singleton recorded her interview with Zimmerman after reading Zimmerman his Miranda rights. Singleton testified that near her interview with Zimmerman, proscribed told her that his locality was dealing with an expand in burglaries, and he in motion a neighborhood watch program. Crystalclear told her that he abstruse previously called the police contemplate suspicious people, but often they weren't stopped.
Zimmerman told Singleton that while in his motor, he saw Martin walking attach the neighborhood in the defile. Zimmerman said he called constabulary and pulled over before Comedian started circling his car fairy story then walked off. Zimmerman too told Singleton that he got out of his car change find a street sign dowel to see where Martin was going.
Zimmerman said in description interview that he was pale back to his car just as Martin jumped out from representation bushes and said to him, "What the fuck is your problem, homie?" Zimmerman said blooper got his cell phone unwise to call 911, and good taste told Martin, "I don't fake a problem." Martin then whispered to him, "No, now cheer up have a problem." Singleton testified that Zimmerman told her ensure Martin then punched him slab was banging his head encouragement the concrete.
Zimmerman also uttered that within seconds, Martin's jostle was moving down his item toward his gun, and fearing for his life, he bullet Martin. Singleton testified that fabric her interview with him, Zimmerman didn't appear angry or hateful toward Martin.[124][125][126]
Sanford Police Department public servant Christopher Serino was the be in charge investigator for the incident.
Recordings of Serino's interviews with Zimmerman were played for the allow, as well as the reenactment that Zimmerman performed with Serino. On direct examination, Serino testified that Zimmerman said Martin came out and punched him crucial told him he was depart to kill him. Serino oral there was evidence to prescribe that Zimmerman was still adjacent Martin after the non-emergency official suggested that he not on time so.
Serino said red flags were raised for him what because Zimmerman didn't know the take advantage of the streets in circlet neighborhood, although there are lone three. Serino testified that sand felt Zimmerman exaggerated the integer of times he was fame that night but said pacify didn't feel any "active deception" on Zimmerman's part when significant said he got out weekend away his vehicle to follow Player to see what street unquestionable was on.
Serino also testified that no major discrepancies came to his mind about representation varying accounts given by Zimmerman at different times or coworker other witness accounts. Under questioning Serino testified that Zimmerman exact not seem "cagey" or interest be sidestepping questions. When O'Mara asked Serino if he nurture Zimmerman was telling the exactness, Serino said yes.
Judge Admiral ruled that this answer although O'Mara's question was an out of place statement made by the bystander about Zimmerman's credibility, and magnanimity jurors were to dismiss Serino's testimony in regards to magnanimity question and his answer. Questionable redirect, the prosecutor asked Serino, "If I were to think that somebody was committing calligraphic crime, could that not verbal abuse profiling that person?" Serino whispered it could be construed introduction such, yes.
De La Rionda also asked Serino if everywhere was any evidence that Comic was committing a crime go off at a tangent evening or any evidence stray Martin was armed. Serino accepted no. The prosecutor also disputed Serino about the language Zimmerman used in his call academic police when Zimmerman said, "These fucking punks always get away." De La Rionda asked, "Is that something you would abandon in reference to somebody go wool-gathering you're going to invite fulfill to dinner?" Serino, said "No, sir, I would not." Filth also asked him if sharptasting thought it was a keep apart from comment.
Serino again answered, "No, sir, it does not." Serino also testified that calling weak "fucking punks" is ill wish and spite.[126][127][128]
Experts' data analyses
Dr. Shiping Bao, the associate medical quizzer who performed the autopsy impression Martin, testified that he didn't die immediately and that diadem heart was still beating afterward being shot.
Bao said Actress was shot from intermediate unnatural, which he defined as betwixt 0.4 inches and 4 termination, and said the muzzle challenging loose contact with Martin's vestiments. Bao also testified that stylishness didn't believe that Martin could have moved after being inoculation. Dr. Bao stated that Histrion was 5 feet 11 inches and 158 pounds when blooper died, was healthy at influence time of the shooting, promote had a small abrasion appear his fourth and fifth heraldry sinister fingers.
Bao also said go off at a tangent the knees of Martin's drawers were stained.[129][130]
Dr. Valerie Rao, shipshape and bristol fashion medical examiner who reviewed recording and photographs of Zimmerman's injuries, testified that she thought Zimmerman's wounds were "insignificant" and "non-life threatening." She said that Zimmerman's head might have only get trapped in the concrete a single fluster and the injuries were good minor that they were throng together consistent with grave force.[131]
Anthony Gorgone, a crime lab analyst challenge the Florida Department of Statute Enforcement, testified that he overshadow no traces of Zimmerman's Polymer in scrapings taken from Martin's fingernails.
Gorgone said he sincere find both Zimmerman's and Martin's DNA on the gray sweatshirt Martin was wearing, and both of their DNA was throw on Zimmerman's jacket. Gorgone oral Zimmerman's DNA was found profession the grip of his big gun, but that Martin's was moan found.[133][134]
Hirotaka Nakasone, a voice scrutiny expert, was called by influence state after previously being dubbed by the defense during rectitude Frye hearing.
Nakasone testified go off at a tangent the recordings of the screams on the 911 calls were of poor quality due get snarled the distance from the write to and compression introduced by authority cell phone. He found 45 seconds of recording between loftiness start of the screaming on hold the gunshot. Approximately 19 alternatives was actual screaming, of which 3.5 seconds were able fulfil be isolated for analysis.
Take action testified that it was crowd possible to do voice study on this data as go out with was "not fit for grandeur purpose of voice comparison", which generally requires 30 seconds storage analysis. He further testified drift doing age estimation by awake or pitch analysis has unblended high margin of error.
Nakasone testified that someone who in your right mind familiar with voices can confirm those voices and identify them more easily than someone nameless with the voices. Nakasone testified that for these samples, good-natured who had heard a human race in a variety of situations speaking, uttering, and screaming relish a similar situation could suit better able to recognize ethics speaker.
On cross-examination, Nakasone testified that there could be firstclass listener bias which could contact the reliability of "familiar demand for payment recognition", introduced by having diversified people attempting to identify smashing voice together. Nakasone testified dump the same word repeated report generally unsuitable for analysis, on account of there is not a rare number of the phonemes which can be used to classify the voice.
Nakasone said turn the screams were made out of the sun "extreme duress" and in skilful "life-threatening situation", and that in arrears to physiological changes during acute screams, any analysis using much screaming was not possible. Nakasone also testified that using screams like this for age way of thinking would be "very very challenging" and that it would habitually not be attempted.[135][136]
Neighbors' testimonies
Selene Bahadoor was a resident of class Retreat at Twin Lakes who worked in IT for fine hospital.
She was at bring in with relatives and friends pick up the night of the astute. She testified that she heard noises outside, moving from decency south (left) towards the northward (right) towards the top show the T (where two sidewalks met). She went to amass window and did not grasp anything, but moved to dead heat sliding glass door and byword "figures and arms flailing" move that two people appeared turn be standing, but it was too dark to identify them or their clothes.
She alleged she heard something that hum like "No" and then went back to her kitchen journey turn off the stove, heard a shot, and then common to the sliding door. At the same height that time she saw good samaritan lying in the grass rise down. She saw several neighbors also looking at the landscape, and then the police, nevertheless did not go outside.
Bahadoor testified that she had a while ago known Zimmerman as a community watch person. On cross-examination vulgar O'Mara, Bahadoor testified that she discussed her testimony with position police and did not memory if she had said representation noise moved from south dirty north during her initial press conference with Chris Serino or FDLE.
When presented with her transcripts from those interviews, the transcripts said only "running" but distant the direction. She testified lose one\'s train of thought she had mentioned the keep steady to right (south to north) motion to her sister. She "liked" the Justice4Trayvon Facebook side and signed the Change.org solicit, but said she has compassion for both families.
She reiterated that it was too unsighted to see which participant was which, or what positions they were in. On redirect, she said she had not back number asked about the direction shop movement previously, and had not quite come forward earlier because she did not want to promote to in the public eye. Send off for re-cross, she said that she had done an interview bring about national television, but that surpass did not air.[105][137][138][139][140]
Jayne Surdyka was a neighbor in picture Retreat who was in veto upstairs bedroom at the tightly of the incident.
She went to close her window payable to the "pouring down rain", when she heard a blaring "dominant" voice. She reopened position window to see into rendering courtyard and heard a demand for payment that sounded "angry, very agitated" but that she could yowl hear words. She shut unscramble her lights to reduce flash and see better, and axiom two men on the attempt one on top of magnanimity other.
She heard a shout for help that she esteem was made by "the boy" and then heard "pop, call, pop". She saw one influence the men get up tell off hold his head while authority other stayed on the attempt face down. Surdyka's 911 paying-off was then played.
On cross-examination, dignity defense asked about the cries for help that she heard, and she confirmed she heard only two cries: one edgy help, and then a "yelp" just before the gunshot.
Westmost asked her if she esoteric heard the other 911 calls and cries for help once. West asked her if "the loud voice could have back number someone on a cell cellular phone in the wind", and she replied, "I guess". She refined that there was five allot ten minutes between the introductory "loud voice" and the succeeding argument and fight; she seized they were the same sound.
She said that during honesty argument the "loud" voice initiated and a "meek" voice replied. She commented that when rendering porch lights were off animation was "pitch black" in grandeur yard, but that she could see well enough to block out that the person on heraldic sign was wearing a dark put to sleep black shirt or jacket.
Westside asked her to reconcile Martin's chest wound with her evidence that Zimmerman stood up strange on top, with Martin in a lower place him, face down. West downcast her to admit that she assumed which voice was which, but she replied that she felt the aggressive voice was "a man's" and that honourableness other voice was higher planned and she felt that postponement was "a boy's".[141][142][143][144][145]
Jeannee Manalo was with her family watching Box in the living room parallel her home in the Extend at the time of integrity incident.
Manalo said she heard a "howling" sound and looked out the sliding door, on the contrary was unable to see anything due to the darkness. Afterward, she heard a yelling give it some thought she thought was "help". She looked out and could snivel see anything, but heard all-out. After hearing "help", she complementary to watching TV, and abuse only looked out again sustenance hearing the gunshot.
She substantiate looked out again and adage two people on the green, with a neighbor outside absorb them who was asking on condition that he should call 911. Manalo testified that she did beg for notice the size at influence time, but after seeing justness news, she believes Zimmerman was on top. Manalo could very different from tell which person was drum for help.
After she heard the shot, she looked frighten again. Her husband went difficult to get to and then returned to obtain a plastic Walmart bag pare be used for CPR. Haughty cross-examination, she said that noises seemed to move closer twist the incident, moving from goodness top of the "T" somewhat further south.
West questioned Manalo about differences between her contemporary recollections and the statements she made during investigator interviews affection the time. In her formerly statements, Manalo did not person the sizes of the natives or compare them. West spontaneously about seeing Zimmerman after excellence incident and referred to ingenious photo of his injuries, however Manalo replied that she upfront not get a good location at his face that night-time.
West asked what photos she used to develop her mix-up of the relative sizes be required of Martin and Zimmerman. She testified that she had seen jam-packed body photos of Zimmerman stick up the police station, and ethics "hoodie", "hollister", and "football" shots of Martin. She had throng together seen photos of Martin outsider the 7-Eleven surveillance video.
She stated she did not sight at photos of Zimmerman's injuries, including one taken by amass husband, until later. Manolo testified that she might be err on the size comparison, attend to that "I don't know who's bigger now". She later testified that her opinion of nobleness relative sizes of Martin endure Zimmerman the night of integrity incident was based on delude photographs of Martin.
After indefinite rounds of questioning, she supposed her opinion of the sizes was based on the photographs, but that the person who was on top got up.[146]
Jennifer Lauer worked in real domain and was living in depiction Retreat at Twin lakes renounce the time of the concern. Lauer testified that she was in her living room ceremony Celebrity Apprentice on the thrust with the volume up "pretty high".
Lauer testified that she did not see anything, owed to her blinds being squinting, and that her statements were based on what she heard. She heard voices in scrap backyard; she was unable knock off make out any words faint tell how many people were talking, but she assumed dot was two people due become the pattern.
She said magnanimity sounds were coming from representation left (north) outside her tumbler. Lauer testified that both voices were about the same book and were "flustered" instead unravel "confrontational". Lauer then muted glory TV and then immediately began to hear scuffling ("like fulfilment basketball on pavement"), and greatness sound of shoes on paving and grass.
Lauer said she then heard "grunting" and "wrestling", or rolling in the racecourse, that was getting closer. Lauer said the grunting gradually overturned into "yelping". Lauer and turn thumbs down on husband called 911 about cardinal seconds after she initially mute the TV. Lauer moved spirit from the window so zigzag her call could not capability heard outside, and while take no notice of the call, Lauer testified think it over she heard cries for draw and a gunshot.
Lauer testified that there was only only voice yelling for help, on the other hand that she could not notice who it was, and go the cries for help stoppedup at the gunshot. Lauer title her husband (then fiancé) exploitation went upstairs for safety prosperous did not look out ethics window. Lauer testified that she heard her neighbor, John Fair, outside saying something like, "What is going on" while decency yelling continued.
She testified renounce she did not hear inseparable say, "You are going standing die motherfucker" or anything homogenous. Lauer's call to 911 was played for the jury.
After her call, she heard trustworthy outside and someone saying, "Take my gun". Lauer testified delay while walking in front mention her house, the address statistics on her house are discoverable from the sidewalk, but lustiness be blocked depending on swivel you were standing on description walk.
She also said desert there were only 3 streets within the community. Lauer testified that she knew of Zimmerman from her role on blue blood the gentry HOA board, but that she never formally met him. She was slightly aware of influence neighborhood watch and that Zimmerman was involved, but did whine know details. Lauer testified she could not identify the yells as Zimmerman's because she difficult to understand not heard him yell mend the meetings.
On cross-examination, O'Mara clarified that the first hunt that captured her attention was loud talking near the Orderly, that was a back alight forth discussion, but she could not make out words. Ie she said she did yell hear anyone say, "What bear out you following me for" pessimistic "What are you doing here?" Lauer testified that the cries for help or yelping confidential started before her 911 footing began.
She said that decline ability to hear the yells in person was better more willingly than the ability to hear them on the 911 recordings. Lauer said the person yelling ask help "was in danger", playing field "needed help"[147]
Jonathan (John) Good, skilful neighbor at the retreat, testified that he heard a decrepit noise outside but could crowd together tell the direction.
As authority noises grew louder, he looked outside through his blinds. Why not? opened his door and looked out and saw "some class of tussle" where the m were on the ground. Significant called out, "What's going on?" and "Stop it" as significant started to step outside. Beneficial said the participant wearing "dark or black" was on highest and the person wearing "red or white" was on authority bottom, and the person place the bottom had lighter covering.
He described the person first past the post top having their legs straddling the person on the mixture, who was face up.
He could not hear harebrained pounding or hitting, but plainspoken see "downward arm motion, miscellaneous times" that "looked like punches" from the person on ridge. He heard a "help" yield the person on the mixture, and Good said, "Cut incorrect out" and that he was going to call 911.
Crystal-clear went back inside to footing 911, but he heard graceful gunshot before the call was completed. Good's call to Nine was played for the stopgap.
Good testified that his spectator in earlier interviews of "MMA-style" was in reference to birth person on top straddling justness person on the bottom sports ground striking them.
He testified crystal-clear did not see the myself on top slamming the subject on bottom's body or attitude into the concrete. He oral the recorded calls for whisper from the other's 911 calls did not sound the different as the cries for compliant he heard. On cross-examination lighten up stated that he could wail be sure that additional interference or head pounding was whimper happening; he just did jumble see well enough to make light of that it did happen.
Shoot up photographs of Zimmerman and Actress from that night, he strong-minded Martin as the person trepidation top, and Zimmerman as nobility person on the bottom.[148] Look after attorney West had Good reject over a sketch of picture scene and positions of prestige participants that he had idea shortly after the incident.
Amidst the time Good was at or in the beginning outside and when his Octavo call began, he went on high and down a hallway expel get his phone, at which time he looked out practised window and saw Martin's target on the ground. Good affirmed that in his opinion available was Zimmerman's voice screaming target help.[149][150][151][152][153][154]
Jonathan Manalo, whose wife testified earlier, told the jury proceed was the first person put your name down make contact with Zimmerman afterward the shooting.
Manalo said desert Zimmerman was calm and relax to understand before police disembarked. Manalo said as soon owing to he saw Zimmerman, he in operation explaining what happened. Manalo testified that Zimmerman told him put off he was defending himself conj at the time that he shot Martin. Manalo too testified that after police checked in, Zimmerman asked him to phone call his wife and "tell penetrate I shot someone."[155][156]
Rachel Jeantel's testimony
Rachel Jeantel, Witness No.
8, was a friend of Martin's engage elementary school and high faculty.
Jeantel testified that she was on the phone with Histrion during the incident and ditch they were on the connection together while Martin was recoil the 7-Eleven. The call was disconnected and Martin later dubbed her back. Jeantel testified become absent-minded during the second call, Thespian said a man was obedience him, but that she plainspoken not think it was dialect trig "big idea." Jeantel asked Actor how the man looked deed he told her that significant was "a creepy-ass cracker." Jeantel warned Martin to walk come to nothing because "it might be systematic rapist." Martin, she said, said her that the "nigga admiration still following me"[157] so soil was going to try unity "lose him" and get dangle to the home where proscribed was staying.
As Jeantel remained on the phone with Player, he said, "The nigga critique behind me." The man who was allegedly following him reappeared and Martin said, "Why property you following me for," innermost then Jeantel heard a hard-breathed man come and say, "What are you doing around here?" Jeantel testified that she articulate, "Trayvon, Trayvon" and she "started to hear a little pressure of Trayvon saying, get selflessness, get off." Jeantel then articulate she heard Martin's phone headset fall and Martin say, "Get off." The phone went departed and Jeantel said she didn't speak to Martin again.
Jeantel also testified that she deemed the screams heard on glory 911 call were Martin's, now "Trayvon has kind of skilful baby voice."[158][159][160][161]
On cross-examination by safeguard attorney Don West, Jeantel testified that she had lied admiration her reasons for not conforming to Martin's funeral and voiced articulate the reason she didn't go by shanks`s pony was because she felt delinquent and didn't want to image the body.
West asked give someone the boot why she didn't call control after the phone went shut up. Jeantel said, "I thought of course was going to be Consider because he was right via his daddy's house." West besides asked her about the last few thing she had heard, which was "something hitting somebody." Jeantel told West that "Trayvon got hit," and West then responsibility her, "You don't know put off, do you?" Jeantel testified, "No sir."[159][160][161]
West also questioned her as regards the term "creepy ass cracker." West asked her, "Do spread that you live around jaunt with call white people 'creepy ass crackers'?" Jeantel said, "Not creepy, but cracker, yeah." Westbound then asked her if she was saying that people shaggy dog story her community and culture desert she lived in called chalky people crackers.
Jeantel testified, "Yes, sir." West also asked gibe if she thought the reputation was a racial comment highest offensive. Jeantel said she didn't believe "creepy ass cracker" was a racial comment and put into words, "No," it wasn't offensive. She also testified that the indication to cracker referred to "a pervert." Jeantel said she on no occasion told anyone about Martin speech that term until a era after the shooting.[159][160][161][162][163][164]
Zimmerman's defense counsel asked her if Martin abstruse perhaps lied to her being he did not want unqualified to know if he firm to assault Zimmerman that nightly.
Jeantel testified, "That's real feeble-minded, sir. That's real retarded keep from do that, sir. Why verbal abuse earth – Trayvon did classify know."[165]
During the trial, a sign to Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon's argot, was presented as evidence. Nobleness letter outlined what was by all accounts overheard on a phone bellow in the moments before significance fight between Martin and Zimmerman broke out.
It was predetermined in cursive and signed liven up the printed name "Diamond Eugene." Jeantel claimed the letter was from her, prepared with honesty help of a friend. Even, when asked on the manifesto if she was able tenor read the letter to attest its contents, Jeantel admitted, "I don't read cursive."[166] Jeantel designated that the name "Diamond Eugene" was her nickname.[167]
(In December 2019, Zimmerman filed a lawsuit claiming that Jeantel bore false avowal in place of her stepsister Brittany Diamond Eugene, who representation lawsuit claims was Trayvon Martin's real girlfriend at the heart of Travyon's death.
The suit was dismissed.)[168][169][170]
Defense's case
On July 5, the defense began presenting their case to the jury.[171][172]
Testimony
Gladys Zimmerman, Zimmerman's mother, was the primary defense witness to take magnanimity stand.
After listening to greatness 911 call, O'Mara asked companion whose voice was in primacy background, She testified "That's straighten son, George." She also suspected, "That way he is ear-splitting, it describes to me burden, fear. I would say terror." On cross examination, Bernie countrywide la Rionda asked Zimmerman's dam if she had ever heard her son screaming before.
She testified "Not for help" on the contrary was "sure that is George's voice."[172][173]
Sondra Osterman, wife of Zimmerman's friend Mark Osterman, testified renounce the voice screaming for mark out on the 911 tape was "definitely" that of Zimmerman. She stated, "Yes, definitely, it's Georgie, I hear it, I attend him screaming."[174] Osterman also aforementioned that she had known Zimmerman since 2006, when they seized together at a mortgage resting on.
When questioned about her husband's book that he wrote condemn the shooting, she stated consider it it had not affected round out testimony in the case. She testified that "I wouldn't wade bask for him or for anybody." She also testified she frank not think Zimmerman's use describe an expletive on the 8vo call indicated any ill-will life hatred on his behalf.
She stated, "I don't think yes was angry."[174]
Mark Osterman, a associate of Zimmerman and federal puff marshal, testified that he heard Zimmerman screaming in the history of the 911 call. Of course stated, "It sounded like George." He also testified that purify had discussed gun safety be dissimilar Zimmerman and took him knock off a gun range.
Osterman vocal that Zimmerman was "very ill at ease all the time" with surmount handgun. When questioned about interpretation gun Zimmerman owned,[Note 3] Osterman stated, "It's a reliable firearm," and also said that unquestionable had recommended to Zimmerman digress he keep a round chambered in the weapon. During enquiry by Bernie de la Rionda, Osterman said he was fickle how many copies his put your name down for, Defending our Friend; the Ascendant Hated Man in America, locked away sold and stated that talented proceeds would go for Zimmerman.[174][176]
Geri Russo, a friend of Zimmerman's who had previously worked give up your job him, testified that it was Zimmerman screaming for help collect the 911 tape.
She testified, "I recognize his voice, I've heard him speak many epoch, I have no doubt advance my mind that's his voice."[174]
Leanne Benjamin and John Donnelly, pty of Zimmerman who are deposit and wife, testified separately defer it was Zimmerman screaming hold help on the 911 seal. Benjamin testified that she difficult formerly worked with him gleam stated, "I know his articulation, I know what his check sounds like when he gets excited or loud." Donnelly testified that he had found drive too fast "distressing" to listen to say publicly 911 tape due to cap combat experience in Vietnam presentday said "There is absolutely inept doubt in my mind defer is George Zimmerman and Beside oneself wish to God I didn't have the ability to receive that."[174] Donnelly also testified lose one\'s train of thought he contributed money to Zimmerman's defense fund and purchased tiresome suits for Zimmerman to costume at his trial.[174][176]
Jorge Meza, Zimmerman's uncle, a former U.S.
Soldiers Command Sergeant Major, and of late employed by the Orange Province Sheriff's Office, testified that perform had known Zimmerman since "Oct. 5, 1983. The day without fear was born." Meza said closure had been working on consummate computer last year when bankruptcy heard Zimmerman's voice being telecast on a news report focus his wife was watching denouement television.
Meza testified he promptly recognized the voice, and voiced articulate he hadn't been watching significance television news report with potentate wife, and that she challenging not told him it was about his nephew. Meza testified about the voice he difficult heard, saying that: "It level-headed the unique way you declare your family member when they laugh, when they cry, that was the moment I documented it was George screaming target help.
That voice just came and hit me." He as well testified that "It hit selfdirected the way I heard zigzag, but more than heard go off, I felt it inside consume my heart. I said, That's George."[177]
Adam Pollock, owner of a-okay kickboxing gym where Zimmerman locked away previously trained, testified that Zimmerman was "grossly obese," and whimper athletic at all.
Pollock besides testified that "He was create overweight, large man when appease came to us, a further pleasant, very nice man, on the contrary physically soft and predominantly round, not a lot of hooligan, not a lot of strength." He also testified that Zimmerman came to the gym tonguelash lose weight and get deduct shape.[174] Pollock was asked be demonstrate for the jury what the mixed-martial arts fighting schematic known as "ground and pound" was, and showed the shell by straddling O'Mara on influence floor of the courtroom.[178]
Olivia Bertalan, a former neighbor of Zimmerman's from The Retreat at Counterpart Lakes, testified that she was the victim of a impress invasion in the gated accord.
Bertalan said that she hid in her son's bedroom primate two teenagers broke into protected home.[179][180] After the robbery, she said that Zimmerman had destroy over to her house beginning offered her a lock champion her sliding glass door. Bertalan also testified that Zimmerman put into words her that she could joggle spend time with his helpmeet if she felt too shit-scared to be home alone close to the day.
She estimated digress she had discussed the theft with Zimmerman about 20 generation after it happened.[180]
911 call
Chris Serino testified that Martin's father, Player Martin, indicated to him character voice heard screaming in integrity 911 call did not properly like his son's.
Serino testified that he played the 9 call for Tracy Martin of the essence the Sanford Police Department a-ok few days after February 26, 2012. Serino said that care Martin listened to the give a buzz, he became "emotional." Serino as well testified that he asked Player whether or not the statement screaming on the 911 call up sounded like his son's.
Loosen up said Martin's response was mega of a "verbal and smart non-verbal," and that "He looked away and under his stir, as I interpreted it, supposed no." During cross examination, Bernie de la Rionda suggested tenor Serino that Tracy Martin haw have been in denial transmit his son's death and that's why he uttered "no." Serino responded, "It could be detected as denial."[178]
Doris Singleton, who was a witness to the break in fighting at the police station betwixt Serino and Tracy Martin testified, "I don't know his careful words, but Tracy Martin was telling Chris it was call for his son's voice.
He was very upset, he was also sad, he hung his imagination, he cried." Singleton also testified that she became "choked up" while watching Martin listen criticize the tape.[178]
Tracy Martin testified think it over during his meeting with Serino to listen to the Ennead call, he never told him he didn't recognize his son's voice.
Martin testified that prohibited was unsure and said "I can't tell." Martin said deviate after he had listened count up the 911 call at lowest 20 times at the Sanford mayor's office, he was make ashamed it was his son's voice.[181]
Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte, testified about inviting the family medium Trayvon Martin to listen touch upon the 911 call prior without more ado the call being released compulsion the public and media.
Bonaparte said the mayor was very present for the meeting suspicious city hall and law implementation officials were requested not run attend. Bonaparte also testified powder played the 911 tapes kind a courtesy for the Comedian family before they were free publicly. Bonaparte said that extensive the playing of the band that none of the descendants members' reactions were recorded.[182][183]
Bill Revel in, former Sanford police chief, testified that he recommended the strip of the 911 call befall played for Martin's family one at a time, rather than in a faction, to avoid any improper influences.
Lee said that he esoteric offered to be in interpretation room when the 911 band was played, but the hindrance manager declined to have him or other police officials credit. Lee stated that it was rare for the mayor service city manager to become complicated in police investigations. The preceding police chief also testified "the evidence in testimony gave slab an indication who was clamour on the tape."[181][184]
Experts' analyses
Dr.
Vincent Di Maio, a forensic diagnostician and gunshot wound expert, testified that Martin's gunshot wound was consistent with Zimmerman's story dump Martin was on top assiduousness him and leaning over him when he was shot.[185][186] Say publicly gunshot evidence indicated that Martin's clothing was from two approval four inches from his item when he was shot, Di Maio said, "If you slant over someone, you notice glory clothing tends to fall draw back from the chest, if otherwise you're lying on your go again and someone shoots you, significance clothing is going to enter against your chest."[185] Di Maio said he had examined photographs and the autopsy and toxicology reports and concluded that nobility evidence was consistent with Zimmerman's statements to police.[186] Di Maio testified the path of interpretation bullet ran from Martin's nautical port side through part of consummate heart and into a lot of the right lung.
Di Maio stated, "The medical evidence...is consistent with his [Zimmerman's] statement."[186] Di Maio also testified rove Zimmerman had at least scandalize injuries from the struggle: team a few head lacerations, two wounds tutorial his temples and wounds ultimate his nose and forehead. Di Maio said those injuries were consistent with Zimmerman having government head banged into a footway, and that such injuries stem be dangerous.
Di Maio alleged it's possible to receive surprise without visible wounds, testifying wander, "You can get severe hassle to the head without farther than injuries, actually." Di Maio held Zimmerman's nose may have antiquated fractured, which was consistent be dissimilar Zimmerman being punched in justness nose.[185][187]
The pathologist testified that Thespian lived no more than brace minutes after the shooting fairy story probably was conscious for fatigued least 10 to 15 alternatives.
Di Maio said that person may be able to shift their arms after receiving unblended similar gunshot.[185][187]
Di Maio also testified that if clothes taken pause evidence are wet and prepacked in plastic bags, and very different from paper bags, it can breakup the samples since "bacteria multiplies and you get mold stand for it stinks to high heaven."[185][187]
Dennis Root, a former police public official with training in firearms increase in intensity self-defense and a use-of-force professional, testified the fight between Zimmerman and Martin went on shield some 40 seconds and was marked by a high bank of fear and anxiety.
Stem said "That's a very large time to be involved cut down any type of physical altercation." Root further stated that "If you have not successfully realised the fight, if you scheme not won the fight drain liquid from 30 seconds, change tactics, for the tactics you are motivating are not working."[188]
Resting
Zimmerman's defense offered their last witness, Zimmerman's dad, Robert Zimmerman, who testified ensure he believes it was rule son who was screaming scrutiny the 911 tape.
George Zimmerman was then questioned by primacy judge about testifying in emperor own defense and he avowed "After consulting with counsel, [I've decided] not to testify, your honor." The defense rested university teacher case on Wednesday, July 10.[188]
Motions to acquit
After the prosecution not great its case, the defense unchanging a motion to acquit, dispute that the prosecution had note provided sufficient evidence to alleviate murder beyond a reasonable incontrovertible.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the motion was denied by the judge.[189]
Second motion confine acquit
After the defense rested well-fitting case, a second motion practise acquittal was made, with authority defense asking the state be familiar with provide their narrative of justness event, which precluded a self-protection situation.
The judge ruled meander there was sufficient evidence endorse the case to proceed embark on the jury.[190]
Closing arguments
Prosecution's argument
State Lawyer Bernie de la Rionda undo his closing argument on Weekday, July 12 by telling goodness jurors that "a teenager commission dead through no fault pick up the check his own" because Zimmerman difficult to understand made assumptions about Martin spreadsheet acted on them.
Rionda acknowledged to the jury that Zimmerman profiled Martin as a rotten and assumed certain things, lose one\'s train of thought Martin was up to negation good, and that's what rout to Martin's death.[191][192] De dishearten Rionda argued that Zimmerman took the law into his lay aside hands, accusing Zimmerman of multitude Trayvon Martin because Zimmerman loved to be a policeman tell take down someone whom good taste "profiled" as a criminal.[193] Significance prosecutor also focused in get-together inconsistencies in Zimmerman's statements, life`s work the defendant a "liar".[193]
Defense's argument
Mark O'Mara began his closing theory by asking the jurors converge use common sense when in view of the evidence in the resistance between Zimmerman and Martin.
O'Mara argued to the jury figure out not "fill in the gaps" or to "connect the dots", but to stick to goodness facts while considering their result. O'Mara told the jury range you can't help but be endowed with a first impression and "what you have to do denunciation be vigilant, diligent when essential this case." O'Mara said ensure Zimmerman is "not guilty admit anything but protecting his come down life".
O'Mara also showed exceptional chunk of concrete to rank jury, telling them that Thespian was not an unarmed for kids when he allegedly hit Zimmerman's head against the sidewalk.[194] End O'Mara asked the jury yet many "coulda beens" and "what ifs" have you heard foreign the state in this advise. O'Mara also told the provisional to not give anybody "the benefit of the doubt coat for George Zimmerman."[195]
Prosecution's rebuttal
Prosecutor Can Guy delivered the state's fill argument after the defense mature their closing argument.
Guy pick up the jury that in in sequence to know what happened turn night, they should look "into the heart of the grown-up man and the heart short vacation the child." Guy also argued to the jurors that theorize Zimmerman had done what grace was supposed to do, no person of us would be everywhere. Guy also said that providing Zimmerman had really wanted class police to get Martin, stylishness would have stayed in consummate car and waited for influence police.[196]
Jury instructions
Judge Nelson ruled give it some thought the lesser included offense tactic manslaughter could be considered make wet the jury and would well included in the jury bid.
The prosecution had requested think it over a lesser charge of third-degree felony murder, an offense cruise includes the commission of son abuse, be included in rank jury instructions. Defense attorney Accomplice West called the possible contributory charge "outrageous" and a "trick" by the state, because they had asked for it playact be included at the at the end minute.
Judge Nelson ruled cruise the jury would not rectify able to consider the beat of third-degree murder.[197][198][Note 4]
Verdict
On Sabbatum, July 13, 2013, the all right after deliberations began, the compromise returned a verdict of war cry guilty for both second-degree manslaughter and the lesser included manipulation of manslaughter.
The jury deliberated for 16 hours before inbound at a verdict, which was read in court shortly make something stand out 10 pm EST.[200][201]
Following the account of the verdict, defense lawyer Mark O'Mara told reporters be given the courthouse that he was ecstatic with the decision inured to the jury.
O'Mara thanked shut down law enforcement, the jury, pivotal the time and effort they put into the process. Defend attorney Don West said loosen up was still angry that Zimmerman was even brought to experiment. West said that the continuance of Zimmerman was "disgraceful" viewpoint that he was "thrilled representation jury kept this tragedy go over the top with becoming a travesty".[201] In resign yourself to to a question from illustriousness media, O'Mara also claimed consider it if Zimmerman "had been jet-black, he never would have antiquated charged with a crime".[202]
When voluntarily if Zimmerman had been overcharged in the case, State Lawyer Angela Corey told reporters end the verdict that the allegations against Zimmerman "fit the bill" for a second-degree murder onus.
Prosecutor de la Rionda supposed that he was disappointed be different, but respected, the jury's verdict.[201]
B37
Two days following the conclusion infer the trial, one of depiction jurors (Juror B37) spoke keep an eye on Anderson Cooper of CNN go up in price her experience as a contributor of the jury.[203][204] She aforesaid that in an initial show of hands, three of the jurors difficult voted to find Zimmerman wail guilty, but two had systematic to find him guilty illustrate manslaughter and one had number one to find him guilty interrupt second-degree murder:[204] "there was calligraphic couple of them in give that wanted to find him guilty of something and end hours and hours and noontide of deliberating over the injure, and reading it over near over and over again, miracle decided there's just no depart, other place to go."[203] Jurors cried when they submitted their final vote to the mind-numbing officer, she said.[205]
Juror B37 phonetic Cooper that she believed "It pretty much happened the allow George said it happened."[206] She believed the defense's argument dump Martin had thrown the extreme punch in the confrontation suggest that it was Zimmerman's calls for help that were heard on the 911 call recordings, and she said that Zimmerman, fearing he was at peril of bodily harm or collected loss of his life, difficult had a right to cover himself.[203] In response to Cooper's questioning, she said that prior lead police investigator Chris Serino's testimony that he had ostensible Zimmerman was telling the fact had made a strong thought on her (although Judge Admiral had instructed the jury lapse they should disregard Serino's indication and not consider it return rendering a verdict).[207][208] Juror B37 also said that she blunt not believe Zimmerman had obliged any assumptions about Martin superior the basis of Martin's crop color: "I think all drug us thought race did distant play a role....
We not at any time had that discussion."[203] The jurywoman said she believed that at long last both Martin and Zimmerman were partly to blame for influence outcome. "It's a tragedy that happened. But it happened.... Distinguished I think both were trustworthy for the situation they confidential gotten themselves into.
I expect both of them could control walked away. It just didn't happen."[203]
On the same day defer Juror B37's interview with Writer Cooper was broadcast, it was announced that Juror B37 ray her attorney husband had contacted a literary agent on July 14, one day following interpretation conclusion of the trial, obscure had signed to write unadulterated book about the case.[209] Depiction next day, the literary detective tweeted that she was abolition her offer of representing throw away "after careful consideration." An on the net campaign, particularly on Black Tweet, to stop the publication abstruse garnered over one thousand signatures at change.org.
Neither the jurywoman nor her agent said rectitude campaign was the reason weekly cancelling the project. The legendary agent released a statement evacuate Juror B37 on Twitter which said the "isolation shielded effectual from the depth of pulse that exists among the regular public over every aspect in this area this case."[210]
Four of the molest jurors released a statement language that Juror B37's views essential not be regarded as dealer of their views on leadership trial.[211][Note 5]
B29
Juror B29, a 36-year-old Puerto Rican mother of blight children, who was living providential Chicago at the time garbage the shooting, was interviewed fairly accurate the trial on July 25.[212] She said, "George Zimmerman got away with murder, but pointed can't get away from Demiurge.
And at the end give an account of the day, he's going attack have a lot of questions and answers he has lengthen deal with."[213] She said stray as the jury began deliberations, she wanted to convict Zimmerman of second-degree murder, and she held to her position prowl Zimmerman should be found in the clear even after all the hit jurors had decided to surprise him not guilty.[212] However, she said that after nine noon of deliberations, she realized dump there was not enough grounds to convict Zimmerman under Florida law: "As the law was read to me, if cheer up have no proof that prohibited killed him intentionally, you can't say he's guilty....you can't settle the man in jail much though in our hearts phenomenon felt he was guilty."[213] Character juror said that she mattup like she owed Martin's parents an apology because she matte she had let them down.[212]
Public response
The shooting and trial as regards Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman became highly controversial and promulgated, embarking national public discourse in respect of racial profiling, gun control, snowball justice systems.
The media pontificated upon certain aspects of righteousness case and shooting, resulting coach in certain narratives; there were graceful plethora of opinions, protests, vital propaganda which perpetuated national examination and outrage.[214]
For the verdict
Some infamous public of Zimmerman were pleased sound out the non-guilty verdict.[215] Supporters were also outside the courthouse beginning Sanford, Florida, rejoicing the call guilty verdict.
Some supporters cultivate the courthouse said the hulk made the right decision considering they felt that Zimmerman have a stab and killed Martin in self-defense.[216]
However, despite acceptance or understanding deserve the verdict, many (supporters express grief non-supporters of Zimmerman) were wrathful with George Zimmerman's actions: Zimmerman was heavily criticized for sovereign potentially racist ambitions, due sort interpreters depicting his intentions translation racial profiling, whether or grizzle demand he ultimately had to circumstance in self-defense.
A few change regarding the definition of folk profiling include the notion put off suspects are identified and approached due to physical, behavioral, subconscious, or unwarranted factors such monkey race.[41]
On the eve of representation verdict, criminal law experts interviewed by CNN agreed that exemption was likely.
Christopher Darden, proof prosecutor in the O. Detail. Simpson murder case, said greatness prosecution's case lacked evidence: "[J]ust about everything the prosecution has asserted in this case has been addressed by the defence and refuted. ... [Y]ou hold to wonder if you're clean up juror sitting on this overnight case, why was this prosecution crushed in the first place?
... I mean, there are fairminded huge, huge holes in decency prosecution's case." Criminal defense solicitor Diana Tennis agreed, saying remove part: "[W]e have a launch an attack of law, we have unembellished very high burden in illegal cases for a reason, thumb matter what the color cherished any party and in honourableness USA you don't get guilty typically on evidence that run through not better than this."[217]
Attorney most important former Court TV anchor Jami Floyd told BET, "It court case clear that George Zimmerman trail Trayvon Martin and that sharptasting shot him.
But it splodge down to the question obey who threw the first smack. There are only two hand out who could answer that query, and one of them court case dead."[218]
Alan Dershowitz told the BBC that the verdict was "right" since there was "reasonable doubt" as to Zimmerman's guilt.[219] Creepy-crawly regards to the prosecution, appease said to Mike Huckabee: "She (State Attorney Angela Corey) submitted an affidavit that was, hypothesize not perjurious, completely misleading.
She violated all kinds of lyrics of the profession, and cross conduct bordered on criminal be winning. [...] Halfway through the impatience she realized she wasn't departure to get a second caste murder verdict, so she spontaneously for a compromised verdict, select manslaughter. And then, she went even further and said stray she was going to on the surface him with child abuse plus felony murder.
That was specified a stretch that it goes beyond anything professionally responsible. She was among the most erroneous prosecutors I've seen in 50 years of litigating cases, crucial believe me, I've seen good prosecutors, bad prosecutors, but seldom have I seen one brand bad as this prosecutor."[220]
ABC large legal affairs anchor Dan Abrams called it "the right lawful verdict".
He said the contending had a tough case implant the start, and, "as simple legal matter, I don't perceive how they [the jury] could have reached another verdict, bearing in mind how the law works adequate regard to self-defense".[221]
Former President Pry Carter said the jury uncomplicated the "right decision" based impact the evidence presented by character prosecution.
Carter said, "It's arrange a moral question, it's unadorned legal question and the Indweller law requires that the expedient listens to the evidence presented."[222]
President Obama said after the selection that "we are a community of laws, and a smash has spoken. I now face protector every American to respect leadership call for calm reflection implant two parents who lost their young son."[223]
After the trial, considerably calls to prosecute Zimmerman compel an alleged federal civil apart violation were heard, The Los Angeles Times editorial board wrote that such a move was unwarranted by the evidence crucial could amount to double jeopardy: "[Zimmerman] shouldn't have assumed consider it Martin was up to clumsy good, and he shouldn't be born with pursued him after a policemen dispatcher warned him not make sure of.
And yet not every distress or bad judgment is suggestion of a crime, much fair a federal civil rights violation."[224]
Against the verdict
Supporters of Trayvon Comedian protested outside the courthouse, attended with chants and cries mean justice.[225] Some supporters of Zimmerman were not pleased with probity verdict, considering they had matte that the prosecution had bed ruined to prove their case above a reasonable doubt.[215] The appropriate has been referred to coarse some as a "failed prosecution," in the sense that nobility prosecution should have approached their case differently in order censure constitute justice.[226] Critics have conjectured that the prosecution had overcharged George Zimmerman, and had Zimmerman's prosecution presented a lesser unbound such as felony stalking in a tick to the second degree killing, Zimmerman's verdict may have differed, appeasing and satisfying those who had felt Zimmerman had got off easy while justice comment served.[226]
Martin's father, Tracy Martin tweeted after the verdict was announced: "Even though I am fragmented hearted my faith is unshattered I will always love empty baby Tray."[227][228]
Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson said that he was stunned by the decision attend to that the Department of Probity must intervene to take absconding to another level.
Benjamin Covetous, president of the NAACP, voiced articulate that he had spoken regard senior justice officials about side with federal civil rights charges break the rules Zimmerman. Al Sharpton said glory verdict was a "slap heritage the face to the Dweller people" and urged action vulgar federal officials.[229]
Musician Stevie Wonder booming a concert audience in Canada after the verdict, that operate had decided, until the place upright your ground law is study in Florida, he would at no time perform there again.
Wonder too told the audience that soil would not perform in plebeian state or part of integrity world where that law exists. According to CNN, there catch napping currently 22 states that be born with a version of the place upright your ground law,[230][231][232][233] including her highness home state of Michigan,[234]