A medical report compiled by the family physician of George Zimmerman found that he was diagnosed with a “closed fracture” of his nose, a pair of black eyes, two lacerations to the back of his head and a minor back injury the day after he fatally shot Trayvon Martin after their altercation on Feb 26th.
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According to ABC News, the morning after the shooting, on Feb. 27, Zimmerman went to get treated at the offices of a general physician, a family practice near Sanford, Fla. The doctor notes Zimmerman sought an appointment to get legal clearance to return to work.
Records show that Zimmerman also suffered bruising in the upper lip, cheek and lower back pain. Two lacerations on the back of his head, one of them nearly an inch long, the other about a quarter-inch long.
The report also states that Zimmerman declined hospitalization the night of the shooting, and then declined the advice of his doctor to make a follow-up appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor.
In addition to his physical injuries, Zimmerman complained of stress and “occasional nausea when thinking about the violence.” But he was not diagnosed with a concussion. The doctor noted that it was “imperative” that Zimmerman “be seen with his psychologist for evaluation.”
According to the report, prior to the shooting Zimmerman had been prescribed Adderall and Temazepam, medications that can cause side effects such as agitation and mood swings, but in fewer than 10 percent of patients.
A neighbor told ABC News that the day after the shooting he saw Zimmerman as he spoke to officers outside his home. He too recalled seeing black eyes and significant swelling — as well as a bandage over his nose.
Moments after the shooting Zimmerman told eyewitnesses he shot Trayvon in self defense. He later told officers his head was being pounded into the pavement and that he feared for his life, but it was only after Trayvon seemed to reach for the gun wedged in his waistband that Zimmerman drew his weapon and fired, hitting Trayvon in the chest, killing him.
The medical notes may bolster Zimmerman’s claim that he acted in self-defense because he was being attacked. However, the prosecution contends that Zimmerman instigated the confrontation after profiling the teen, who was walking home after buying Skittles and ice tea.
The prosecution says Martin was breaking no laws and was not disturbing anyone as he walked back to his father’s girlfriend’s home.
Zimmerman was granted a $150,000 bail and has since been in hiding since his April 20 bail hearing.
