UPDATE: 10:10 AM EST
George Zimmerman will not have a “Stand Your Ground” hearing before his trial, after he waived that right in court today.
His defense lawyer said that the issue could still resurface.
According to the Orlando Sentinel:
Zimmerman’s lawyer, Mark O’Mara argued Zimmerman shouldn’t be asked to waive his right to such a hearing. The defense “might,” he said, argue for immunity at trial, after all the evidence is presented.
The judge wanted to question Zimmerman on the issue herself, but O’Mara repeatedly intervened, leading to a recess.
After the recess, Nelson questioned Zimmerman under oath. He answered softly that he was waiving his right to have a pre-trial “Stand Your Ground” hearing.
This story is developing.
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George Zimmerman is back in court again today, this time to be asked again about the defense’s decision to waive the “Stand Your Ground” hearing.
Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson is being asked to decide whether she should demand an answer from Zimmerman on whether or not the defense plans to give up their right to the hearing. Previously, the defense announced that it would not hold a “Stand Your Ground” hearing before the trial, but has not ruled out the possibility of holding one at the same time as the trial or afterward.
The hearing, if taken, could absolve Zimmerman of criminal wrongdoing for killing Trayvon Martin.
Today’s hearing will also reveal if the judge is expected to hear argument on a defense request to order the release of details about a $1 million-plus settlement that Zimmerman’s homeowners association paid Trayvon’s parents to settle a wrongful death claim.
This is the first time Zimmerman has appeared in court since Feb. 5. His trial is set for June 10.
Check back as this is a developing story. For a live stream of inside the courtroom, click here.
SOURCE: OrlandoSentinel
PHOTO SOURCE: Renee Stutzman
