We’re less than two weeks away from the highly-anticipated trial for George Zimmerman, who shot and killed an unarmed Trayvon Martin in February of 2012, and things are really heating up.
In the year since the 17-year-old’s death, Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder, lost $300,000 in donations (almost causing the defense to go broke) and had his request to delay his June 10 trial denied multiple times.
But these major developments are just part of what you need to know about the upcoming trial.
And while we’re not sure what the outcome will be, we’re certain that these facts will play a huge role.
Take a look:
Defense Raises More Money For George Zimmerman
After blowing through the bulk of funds donated to Zimmerman for the trial and claiming that there was no money left to carry on with the case, the defense revealed in early March that they had raised about $54,000 to continue on. But money was the least of their worries – the defense asked for a delay in trial in May, only to be turned down again.
Prosecutors Will Call George Zimmerman’s Wife, Brother, & Mother To Witness Stand
The Zimmermans, wife Shellie, brother Robert and mother Gladys, are all set to take the witness stand to be questioned by prosecutors during the trial. It’s unclear how the family members’ testimonies will aid in convicting Zimmerman of second-degree murder, but his vocal family has a history of digging themselves into holes…for example…
Robert Zimmerman, Jr. Compares Trayvon To A Baby Killer
In a barrage of ridiculous tweets earlier this year, Zimmerman’s brother Robert thought it would be a smart idea to make a parallel between the two teenage boys from Georgia who were charged with murdering a 13-month-old baby and Trayvon. He later apologized, saying his reasoning was to defend his brother, who is being made out to be a “monster” in the media.
Zimmerman Gives Up His Right To A “Stand Your Ground” Hearing
After some back and forth with defense attorney Mark O’Mara about Zimmerman’s “Stand Your Ground” hearing before the trial (which could have absolved him of criminal wrongdoing for killing Trayvon Martin), a judge demanded that a decision be made. In April, Zimmerman appeared before the judge to let her know that he was waiving his right to the hearing.
Voice Expert Reveals Trayvon Yelled “Stop” Before Gunshot
A state voice expert has concluded that Martin’s voice was heard yelling “stop” just before Zimmerman pulled the trigger. Experts initially believed that Trayvon was yelling “help.” Experts also confirmed that the frequency of the voice is appropriate for a 17-year-old and not an adult male, and concluded “tentatively” that the scream heard before the gunshot came from Martin.
Defense Releases Other Photographic Evidence, Including Pictures of Trayvon’s Clothes & Zimmerman’s Bloody Head
Last week, defense attorneys released scores of new photos that they hope will help them as they prepare for the trial on June 10. Photographs of Trayvon’s hoodie, bullet hole visible, and Zimmerman’s bloodied head after the altercation were released. Five other photos show Trayvon just an hour before he was killed at 7-Eleven, buying Skittles and an iced-tea. Check out the photos here.
Defense Releases Photographic Evidence In Attempt To Smear Trayvon
In an attempt to paint 17-year-old Trayvon Martin as a monster or a thug, the defense released evidence they hoped to use during the trial, including text messages from the teen and incriminating photographs – although Trayvon’s previous behavior has nothing to do with his murder, and Zimmerman knew nothing of Trayvon when he shot him dead. There are photos of a marijuana plant, a gun, and a collage of Trayvon smoking a substance, though it’s unclear what it may be. The defense also pulled messages from the slain teen’s phone, including one where Trayvon wrote to a friend about hiding weed and another where the teen tells another person that he is a “gangsta.”
Judge Rules That Trayvon’s Weed Use, Fighting & Text Messages Will Not Be Used In Trial
Today in what is expected to be the last pre-trial hearing before the actual trial, Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson ruled that Trayvon Martin’s history of marijuana use, fighting, and his text messages will not be allowed in the trial. She also specified that neither party will mention any fighting in opening statements. In this same hearing, Nelson denied the defense’s request to delay the trial…again.
Stay updated with us as we countdown to trial day, June 10.
PHOTO SOURCE: Getty
