Trayvon Martin Shooting - George Zimmerman

[American Patriot]

Pathologist says evidence is consistent with Zimmerman's account of shooting Trayvon Martin


By Mike Schneider And Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press July 9, 2013 1:00 PM

Pathologist says evidence is consistent with Zimmerman's account of shooting Trayvon Martin

Tracy Martin, the father of Trayvon Martin, testifies in George Zimmerman's trial at the Seminole Circuit Court, in Sanford, Fla., Monday, July 8, 2013. Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of his son, in 2012. (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Joe Burbank, Pool)

SANFORD, Fla. - An expert on gunshot wounds hired by the defence testified Tuesday that George Zimmerman's account of how he fatally shot Trayvon Martin is consistent with the forensic evidence.

Dr. Vincent DiMaio said that the trajectory of the bullet and gun powder on Martin's body support Zimmerman's version that Martin was on top of him when Zimmerman fired his gun into Martin's chest. The gun's muzzle was against Martin's clothing and it was anywhere from two to four inches from Martin's skin, he said.

"This is consistent with Mr. Zimmerman's account that Mr. Martin was over him, leaning forward at the time he was shot," said DiMaio, the former chief medical examiner in San Antonio.

The pathologist also said it was likely Martin was conscious for 10 to 15 seconds after the shooting as a reserve supply of oxygen ran out of his body, and during that time he could have moved his arms. Zimmerman's account that he had placed Martin's arms out to his sides after the shooting contradicts a photo taken after the shooting that shows Martin's arms under his body. Defence attorneys contend Martin moved his arms.

DiMaio testified that lacerations to the back Zimmerman's head were consistent with his head striking a concrete sidewalk. Later, when looking at photos of Zimmerman's injuries taken the night of the shooting, DiMaio identified six separate impacts to Zimmerman's face and head. He said a nose injury could have come from being punched.

DiMaio also explained that if clothes taken into evidence are wet and packaged in plastic bags, and not paper bags, it can ruin the samples since "bacteria multiplies and you get mould and it stinks to high heaven." Defence attorneys believe DNA evidence found on Martin's hooded sweatshirt and undershirt was degraded since the clothing wasn't packaged properly.

Under cross-examination, DiMaio conceded that the gunshot could also be consistent with Martin pulling away from Zimmerman, and that he didn't rely on statements from some Zimmerman neighbours who say Zimmerman was on top of Martin to reach his conclusion. The pathologist, who also has testified at the murder trials of Illinois police sergeant Drew Peterson and record producer Phil Spector, said he had been paid $2,400 by the defence.

Earlier in the morning, Judge Debra Nelson considered prosecutors' request to bar the defence from showing animation depicting the fight between Martin and Zimmerman. Nelson held an evidence hearing with jurors out of the courtroom, but ultimately postponed her decision and more arguments on the matter until later in the afternoon.

Prosecutors object to the animation, saying it isn't an accurate depiction.

Defence attorneys called the man who created the animation to testify. To recreate the fight, Daniel Schumaker went to the crime scene and had employees in motion-capture suits re-enact what happened based on coroner photographs, police reports, the coroner's report, witness depositions and photos taken by responding police officers, he said.

The fight took place on a dark, rainy night in February 2012 and there were no eyewitnesses who saw the entire fight. Several witnesses saw and heard parts of the struggle that left Martin dead with a bullet in his heart.

Testimony in previous days has focused on a 911 call that captures screams from the struggle between Martin and Zimmerman.

Convincing the jury of who was screaming for help on the tape has become the primary goal of prosecutors and defence attorneys because it would help jurors evaluate Zimmerman's self-defence claim. Relatives of Martin's and Zimmerman's have offered conflicting opinions about who is heard screaming.

Zimmerman's mother and uncle testified last Friday it was Zimmerman screaming, while Martin's mother and brother also took the witness stand last Friday to say the voice belongs to Martin. Martin's father testified Monday that he initially couldn't tell if the screams came from his son, but later decided they did.

Zimmerman himself once said during a police interview that the screams didn't sound like him, though he and his family later said the screams were his.

Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and says he shot Martin in self-defence during a scuffle in the townhome complex where he lived. Martin was there visiting his father and his father's fiancee.

[American Patriot]

It sounds like minutemanco that there is one last witness today. Judge has to rule whether to admit the "animation" of the altercation that led to the shooting or not...

then I suspect summation and jury orders, then deliberation.

I am betting that there won't be a long deliberation if the people on the jury are smart people ( I heard 6 women, and some men on stand by...?)

[American Patriot]

Zimmerman's attorneys say they will likely wrap up case on Wednesday
Zimmerman attorneys say they may finish Wednesday
By MIKE SCHNEIDER and KYLE HIGHTOWER | Associated Press | 10 minutes ago in US


George Zimmerman's attorney says the defense will likely wrap up its case in the neighborhood watch volunteer's second-degree murder trial on Wednesday.

Defense attorney Mark O'Mara told the judge presiding over the case on Tuesday that his team needs only one more day.

Zimmerman, so far, hasn't testified. But jurors saw repeated video recordings of Zimmerman telling his side of the story to police investigators.

The defense started its case last Friday, and if it keeps to the schedule anticipated by O'Mara, its presentation will take about half of the time of the prosecution.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder. He is pleading not guilty, claiming he shot Trayvon Martin in self-defense.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

An expert on gunshot wounds hired by the defense testified Tuesday that George Zimmerman's account of how he fatally shot Trayvon Martin is consistent with the forensic evidence.

Dr. Vincent DiMaio said that the trajectory of the bullet and gun powder on Martin's body support Zimmerman's version that Martin was on top of him when Zimmerman fired his gun into Martin's chest. The gun's muzzle was against Martin's clothing and it was anywhere from two to four inches from Martin's skin, he said.

"This is consistent with Mr. Zimmerman's account that Mr. Martin was over him, leaning forward at the time he was shot," said DiMaio, the former chief medical examiner in San Antonio.

The pathologist also said it was likely Martin was conscious for 10 to 15 seconds after the shooting as a reserve supply of oxygen ran out of his body, and during that time he could have moved his arms. Zimmerman's account that he had placed Martin's arms out to his sides after the shooting contradicts a photo taken after the shooting that shows Martin's arms under his body. Defense attorneys contend Martin moved his arms.

DiMaio testified that lacerations to the back of Zimmerman's head were consistent with his head striking a concrete sidewalk. Later, when looking at photos of Zimmerman's injuries taken the night of the shooting, DiMaio identified six separate impacts to Zimmerman's face and head. He said a nose injury could have come from being punched.

DiMaio also explained that if clothes taken into evidence are wet and packaged in plastic bags, and not paper bags, it can ruin the samples since "bacteria multiplies and you get mold and it stinks to high heaven." Defense attorneys believe DNA evidence found on Martin's hooded sweatshirt and undershirt was degraded since the clothing wasn't packaged properly.

Under cross-examination, DiMaio conceded that the gunshot could also be consistent with Martin pulling away from Zimmerman, and that he didn't rely on statements from some Zimmerman neighbors who say Zimmerman was on top of Martin to reach his conclusion. The pathologist, who also has testified at the murder trials of Illinois police sergeant Drew Peterson and record producer Phil Spector, said he had been paid $2,400 by the defense.

After DiMaio testified, the 911 calls that captured sounds of the fatal encounter were discussed again. Defense attorneys called Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte to the witness stand to describe the circumstances of how Martin's family came to hear the 911 tapes. Bonaparte said he played the 911 tapes while members of Martin's family sat together at City Hall. He played them as a courtesy before they were released publicly.

Earlier in the morning, Judge Debra Nelson considered prosecutors' request to bar the defense from showing animation depicting the fight between Martin and Zimmerman. Nelson held an evidence hearing with jurors out of the courtroom, but ultimately postponed her decision and more arguments on the matter until later in the afternoon.

Prosecutors object to the animation, saying it isn't an accurate depiction.

Defense attorneys called the man who created the animation to testify. To recreate the fight, Daniel Schumaker went to the crime scene and had employees in motion-capture suits re-enact what happened based on coroner photographs, police reports, the coroner's report, witness depositions and photos taken by responding police officers, he said.

The fight took place on a dark, rainy night in February 2012 and there were no eyewitnesses who saw the entire fight. Several witnesses saw and heard parts of the struggle that left Martin dead with a bullet in his heart.

Testimony in previous days has focused on a 911 call that captures screams from the struggle between Martin and Zimmerman.

Convincing the jury of who was screaming for help on the tape has become the primary goal of prosecutors and defense attorneys because it would help jurors evaluate Zimmerman's self-defense claim. Relatives of Martin's and Zimmerman's have offered conflicting opinions about who is heard screaming.

Zimmerman's mother and uncle testified last Friday it was Zimmerman screaming, while Martin's mother and brother also took the witness stand last Friday to say the voice belongs to Martin. Martin's father testified Monday that he initially couldn't tell if the screams came from his son, but later decided they did.

Zimmerman himself once said during a police interview that the screams didn't sound like him, though he and his family later said the screams were his.

Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and says he shot Martin in self-defense during a scuffle in the townhome complex where he lived. Martin was there visiting his father and his father's fiancee.

[MinutemanCO]

Could get ugly on the streets of Denver soon. Trying to get an understanding of when the premeditated street violence is going to be perpetrated against any unlucky victims who happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I may have my family stay home for a little while, or leave the house reasonably well equipped.

[Malsua]

Could get ugly on the streets of Denver soon. Trying to get an understanding of when the premeditated street violence is going to be perpetrated against any unlucky victims who happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I may have my family stay home for a little while, or leave the house reasonably well equipped.

Bah, the riots, if they happen will occur primarily in black neighborhoods. They'll burn some cars, maybe a KFC or two and that will be the end of it.

[Phil Fiord]

Check the typical twitter feeds and facebook posts and plan accordingly.

[American Patriot]

Mal, just pointing out that it's not really the "black neighborhoods" that get the riots. It's the downtown areas - at least recently.

[American Patriot]

The judge made two decisions against Zimmerman this morning.

1) The animation of the fight between Zimmerman and Martin will be disallowed.

2) Text messages and photos from Martin's phone (pot plants, gun, and texts about fighting) will be disallowed.

The Judge believes they "are not relevant".

[American Patriot]

As trial winds down, odds of Zimmerman taking stand slim
Published July 10, 2013
FoxNews.com

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/10...#ixzz2YeKZ3uaK


As George Zimmerman's defense team prepares to rest its case as early as Wednesday afternoon, the chances of the Florida neighborhood watch volunteer accused of murdering Trayvon Martin making a surprise appearance on the witness stand appeared slim.

Though Zimmerman, 29, has not testified yet, jurors have seen repeated video recordings of him telling his side of the story to police investigators. While O'Mara did not say if his client would testify on his own behalf, courtroom observers considered it unlikely.

"You have the right to testify if you want to," Judge Debra Nelson told Zimmerman on Wednesday. "It's a decision that you alone can make."

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of the 17-year-old from Miami. He claims he shot the teen in self defense. If convicted, Zimmerman could face life in prison.

Defense attorneys may also call a toxicology expert to testify Wednesday after winning a motion to introduce lab results showing THC in Martin’s system at the time he was killed. Defense attorney Don West noted that in Zimmerman’s statement to the non-emergency 911 dispatcher that it appeared the person he was observing in the Sanford, Fla., community was "on drugs."

GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE: ZIMMERMAN TRIAL

Judge Nelson denied two requests by the defense on Wednesday, ruling that a computer animation that depicts the February 2012 confrontation and text messages that purportedly deal with fighting sent from Martin's phone will not be admissible as evidence.

The animation's creator, Daniel Schumaker, testified in court on Tuesday. Schumaker uses advanced technology like drones and motion-capture suits to create the computer animations. For the animation of the struggle between Martin and Zimmerman, Schumaker used information from the coroner reports, police reports and crime scene photos to recreate the scene, and used audio from the 911 calls to determine the timing of events.

Prosecutors had objected to the introduction of the animation, which shows Zimmerman’s version of the confrontation, saying it is inaccurate and would only confuse jurors. Prosecutors also didn't want jurors to learn about the texts, claiming they are misleading and prejudicial.

Defense attorney Don West argued late Tuesday that the texts were relevant because "it relates to his physical capabilities, his knowledge of fighting."

On Tuesday, jurors heard testimony from renowned forensic pathologist Vincent DiMaio. DiMaio, an expert on gunshot wounds who has written and co-authored several articles and a book on the subject, said the single shot that killed the Florida teen passed through Martin's clothing as it hung 2-4 inches from his skin, indicating that Martin was over Zimmerman and leaning forward.

"If you’re lying on your back, the clothing is going to be against your chest," DiMaio testified. "So the fact that we know the clothing was 2 to 4 inches away is consistent with someone leaning over the person doing the shooting."

DiMaio explained that this case is more about determining whether the physical evidence is consistent with Zimmerman's account of the fatal shooting.

"The wound itself, by the gap and the powder tattooing, in the face of contact with the clothing indicates that this is consistent with Mr. Zimmerman's account that Mr. Martin was over him, leaning forward at the time he was shot," DiMaio said.

Under cross-examination, DiMaio conceded that the gunshot could also be consistent with Martin pulling away from Zimmerman, and that he didn't rely on statements from some Zimmerman neighbors who say Zimmerman was on top of Martin to reach his conclusion. The pathologist, who also has testified at the murder trials of Illinois police sergeant Drew Peterson and record producer Phil Spector, said he had been paid $2,400 by the defense.

If the defense rests its case Wednesday afternoon, the prosecution will have a chance to rebuttal witnesses, followed by closing arguments as early as Friday.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/10...#ixzz2YeKWI3y1

[American Patriot]

Awkward: Judge Walks Out on Zimmerman Defense Lawyer During Heated Late-Night Session
Jul. 10, 2013 8:48am Jonathon M. Seidl

As the George Zimmerman trial nears its conclusion, it’s obvious that all those involved are getting tired. And that means tempers are on edge. Take, for example, what happened late Tuesday night during a contentious late-night session: Chief Judge Debra Nelson walked out on attorney Don West while he was still trying to make his case.

The session lasted until just minutes before 10pm ET, and West and the defense team were trying to make the case that text messages and a Facebook post by Trayvon Martin should be let into evidence. The team was also accusing the prosecution of withholding that evidence, “playing games,” and throwing off the defense by forcing them to spend extra time to try and get the evidence from the prosecution.

“It’s simply unfair for Mr. Zimmerman to not be able to put on his defense because of the state’s tactics,” and agitated West said.

But after wrapping up his presentation, the prosecution asked West to apologize for that insinuation. Nelson decided she wasn’t having any of that and decided to postpone her ruling for Wednesday. That took the air out of West, who continued trying to make his case that the team was tired and needed a quicker ruling.

That sparked a heated back-and-forth between the defense and Nelson.

“I’m not physically able to keep up this pace much longer,” West eventually pleaded. “It’s 10 o’clock at night. We started this morning. We’ve had full days every day. Weekends. Depositions at night.”

But it didn’t sway Nelson, who turned her back to West and continued walking out.

Watch it all unfold below:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013...night-session/

[American Patriot]

Courthouse News Service
Wednesday, July 10, 2013Last Update: 8:59 AM PT

Zimmerman Defense Could Wrap up Today
By DESHAYLA STRACHAN
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SANFORD, Fla. (CN) - George Zimmerman's attorneys may wrap up their defense in the murder trial today, after a day in which friends and family of both Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin said it was their loved one screaming for help on a 911 call.
Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara said Tuesday that he expects to wrap up his case today.
Last week, Martin's mother Sybrina Fulton testified that she knew it was her son screaming on the tape.
Martin's father Tracy Martin testified that he did not say the voice was not Trayvon's - as police told reporters-he said in court that he could not tell, as it was a very difficult and emotional time.
"My world has been turned upside down," Tracy Martin said. "I was listening to my son's last cry for help. It's still hard to believe that he's dead."
After listening to the recording about 20 times, Tracy Martin said, he knew that it was his son's voice.
At least eight of Zimmerman's friends and family testified that it was Zimmerman heard on the call screaming.
His former neighbor Eloise Dilligard, testifying Tuesday via Skype, said she saw Zimmerman right after the shooting. She said he looked disfigured and had a bloody nose.
Dilligard said she recognized the voice on the call as Zimmerman.
Medical examiner Dr. Shiping Bao, who performed Martin's autopsy, testified Friday that Martin was alive from one to 10 minutes after the shooting.
Dr. Vincent Di Maio, the defense's first witness on Tuesday, said Martin was alive from one to three minutes after the shooting, and could still talk.
Zimmerman claims Martin said, "You got me," after he shot the single bullet.
Di Maio said the muzzle of Zimmerman's gun was 2 to 4 inches from Martin's body, not .4 inches to 4 feet away, as Bao estimated.
Di Maio testified that Zimmerman's injuries were from separate impacts, and were consistent with hitting concrete.
The injuries also could have come from cutting his head on tree branches, Di Maio said. "I'm not saying he [Zimmerman] spoke the 'gospel truth.'"
Also last week, Adam Pollock, owner of the gym Zimmerman visited to learn mixed martial arts-style fighting, said Zimmerman was overweight when he started coming, but got in shape attending the classes three times a week.
Pollock demonstrated the "ground and pound" move, and said gravity works for you when you're on top. He said punches from above carry more force.
He said Zimmerman wanted to learn boxing, but wasn't skilled enough to be in the ring.
A hearing was held before court Tuesday to determine if a computer-animated reenactment of the shooting could be shown to the jury.
Prosecutors said the reenactment is inaccurate and may confuse jurors. The animation depicts Zimmerman's account of the fight.
Defense attorneys want to introduce Martin's text messages and photos that deal with fighting and guns.
Daniel Shoemaker, a specialist in crime scene reconstruction was called.
O'Mara proffered a computer forensics expert after court Tuesday
Seminole County Judge Debra Nelson has not yet made a decision.
Nelson ruled the jury will be able to hear about toxicology reports that THC was in Martin's system the night he was shot. THC - tetrahydrocannabinol - is an active ingredient in marijuana.
Defense attorneys claim the THC could have had an effect on Martin's behavior. It could support Zimmerman's claim that Martin was "on drugs or something," as he said in a non-emergency call.
Zimmerman, 29, claims he killed 17-year-old Martin in self-defense under Florida's "stand your ground" law. He is charged with second-degree murder and could face life in prison if convicted.
Testimony continues today.

[American Patriot]

Police Ask Public to Avoid Violence as Zimmerman Trial Winds Down

Published: 8:55 am
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Updated: 8:58 am



Sanford, Fla. - As the verdict looms, Florida police have released a public service announcement asking people not to resort to violence, no matter what the outcome of the Zimmerman trial.

The defense could wrap up its case today, in which George Zimmerman is charged with murder in the death of Trayvon Martin.

The defense team is looking to introduce text and Facebook messages between Martin and a friend which show Martin had an interest in fighting.

Zimmerman claims Martin instigated the fight, and that he acted in self-defense.

Jury deliberations could begin later today.

[American Patriot]

'Justice for George Zimmerman' sign at Flint business calls for not guilty verdict


Darwin Groves, the business's manager, left, and Donald Sampson, owner, stand with a sign that calls for George Zimmerman's innocence, which is located outside of their business Monday, July 8, 2013 at 120 S. Center St. in Flint. George Zimmerman is currently being tried in the 2012 murder case of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. Jake May | MLive.com

on July 10, 2013 at 7:00 AM, updated July 10, 2013 at 7:15 AM


FLINT, MI – George Zimmerman – the Florida man on trial for on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin – has a cheering section nearly 1,200 miles away at a Flint business.


Donald Sampson, owner of Junk Iron & Metal, 120 S. Center Road, has a large sign posted in front of his business that reads, “Justice for George Zimmerman not guilty."


“I put up the sign because I think it’s wrong of the judge over the case to excuse the jury during the testimony of the lead investigator on the case,” Sampson said.


Sampson made reference to the fact that the judge dismissed parts of testimony from Sanford, Fla. police investigator Chris Serino who called into question Zimmerman's credibility. The judge called it an "improper comment" for one witness to question another's credibility.



“I was an officer for 10 years and I’m currently a licensed (private investigator). I’ve never, in all my years in law enforcement, heard of anything like that. He’s the lead investigator. His testimony is critical. That’s silly of the judge.”

Sampson said that he feels Zimmerman was justified in defending himself against “the attacks of Martin.” The sign has been in place for nearly a week.


Tynee Sims, a Grand Blanc resident who co-hosts a talk radio show on urban issues, said she understands that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but she feels the sign is offensive and unjust.


“Trayvon -- no way he deserved to be stalked and killed by a prejudiced man. I mean this is America, so the business has a right to take stand. However, their stand – or theory – is flawed and rude," Sims said.


“They need to stick to the facts. Trayvon did not attack George. Trayvon was minding his own business. I guess Trayvon walking while black was justification enough for both George and this business owner.”

Zimmerman -- a then-neighborhood watch volunteer in his Sanford community -- has pleaded not guilty to the second-degree murder charge. He said that he shot the 17-year-old Martin once in the chest in self-defense after the two got into a scuffle.


The incident happened on Feb. 26, 2012 after Zimmerman followed Martin through a neighborhood when Martin was returning to a family friend's house from a trip to a nearby convenience store.


There have been several Flint-area marches in honor of the slain teen, all of which have been to promote justice for Martin and the jailing of Zimmerman.


Sampson said that he doesn't think that Zimmerman was motivated by race, and believes if the tables had been turned – where a black man killed a white man – there wouldn’t be such protests in Flint.


“I don’t think there was any racial profiling going on here. They talk about racial profiling, but Zimmerman is a Mexican. Under the same circumstances, I would’ve pulled my sidearm as well. Nobody would be doing any marching if it was a white man laying in the streets,” he said.


When Flint resident Alphonzo Brown saw the sign, his initial reaction is that it was both "shocking and repulsive."


"I've been following the trial and following the whole ordeal since it's happened and to me it's just flat out murder, and I don't see how someone can demand justice for someone who plainly murdered a black boy just for being black," Brown said.


"I'm sure that the owner will have like-minded people who will yet support his business and will agree with him, but I don't think the overall population in this area will agree with him or his message."


Darwin Groves, the manager at Junk Iron & Metal where the sign is posted, agreed with Sampson’s stance.


“I went to Northern High School and I’ve always treated people the same, whether they (were black or white), but I know that not everyone thinks the same as I do. I think a lot of people have it in their minds that this case is unbalanced, but they don’t know the whole case,” Groves said.


“It’s a sad thing when anyone gets killed, but I would’ve done the same thing if I was in (Zimmerman’s) situation.”


Matt Potter is a member of the Flint Unity Movement group, which hosted a "Rally For Justice In Honor of Trayvon Martin" event April 13, 2012 in downtown Flint.


Potter said that the business’s choice to display the sign is a personal right to free speech, but that he wouldn’t consider it a wise business decision.


“Express your opinion, but back it up. At the end of the day, we have a grown man that killed a teenager. When you take Trayvon out of the mold that white America continues to try to force him into, was it justified?” he said.


“It’s my opinion that had Trayvon been four years older, and legally carrying a weapon, and in this same circumstance killed Zimmerman, he would already have been tried, convicted and locked up. That’s the way justice in America seems to



Donald Sampson, owner of Junk, Iron and Metal, also displays a message on the side of a semi-trailer that reads, "No gays running the Boy Scouts," within viewing distance of the road on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 120 S. Center Road in Flint. Jake May | MLive.com

work.”
Sampson had the sign specially made. It's stands approximately seven feet off the ground and is about seven feet wide, with all capital white lettering that reads" The sign also has a traditional Lady Justice drawing -- complete with the scales of justice -- on its upper left corner.


The Zimmerman sign isn’t the only controversial signage that Sampson has at his business. There is also a hand-painted sign painted on the side of a semi-trailer that reads “No gays running the Boys Scouts.”

[American Patriot]

So, the judge won't allow the animation as "evidence" but it will be allowed in during closing statements:
Zimmerman Defense to Introduce Controversial Animation at Closing


by Aura Bogado ShareThis | Print | Comment
Wednesday, July 10 2013, 9:27 AM EST Tags: George Zimmerman, Trayvon Martin


Zimmerman defense attorney Mark O’Mara surprised viewers yesterday when he casually mentioned that the defense would be wrapping up its case as early as today. Jurors were sent home, and most of the people in the courtroom—including Trayvon Martin’s parents, Sabrina Fulton and Tracy martin—left as well.

In an almost empty courtroom a while later, the defense began to argue to enter into evidence an animation based on testimony of John Good during Zimmerman’s trial for the second-degree murder of Martin. Good had previously testified to seeing part of a confrontation between Zimmerman and Martin that resulted in Martin’s death.

Daniel Schumaker, who, according to his LinkedIn profile, holds a BA degree not in forensic science, but in graphic design, created the animation. It illustrates 17-year-old Martin, in a black hoodie, watching and then straddling George Zimmerman.
The image above, taken from the animation, shows Martin punching Zimmerman with his left hand—despite being right-handed; Good made clear during testimony that he saw no punches being thrown, and no witness stated that Martin used his left hand during the confrontation. Further, the animation does not match the lighting of the night in question. In other words, the animation is based more on disputed assumptions than on evidence.
The prosecution argued against admitting the animation during the evidentiary hearing. Judge Debra Nelson, who drew attention to the possibility that Schumaker violated sequestration by consulting with O’Mara after first testifying, took the arguments into consideration and reviewed related case law overnight, after a marathon 13-hour day in court yesterday. Judge Nelson decided this morning that the animation will be blocked from entering into evidence—but that it can be used as a demonstrative exhibit in the case.
Zimmerman’s defense team is expected to play the animation for the jury during its closing statements, which could be delivered later this week.

[American Patriot]

Judge rules against Zimmerman on evidence, animation and texts won't be introduced
Judge rules against Zimmerman on evidence
By MIKE SCHNEIDER and KYLE HIGHTOWER | Associated Press | 10 minutes ago in US


Judge Debra Nelson made her ruling Wednesday, a day after she heard arguments on the matter. Prosecutors had claimed the texts were irrelevant and taken out of context. They also objected to the computer animation, questioning its accuracy and saying it would mislead jurors.

"This is a murder trial. This isn't `Casablanca.' This isn't `Iron Man,'" prosecutor Richard Mantei said.

The judge seemed concerned about the animation's accuracy during arguments. While the animation can't be introduced as evidence that can be reviewed by jurors during their deliberations, defense attorneys may be able to use it during closing arguments, she ruled.

"To have an animation go back into jury room that they can play over and over again gives a certain weight to something that this court isn't exactly certain comports with the evidence presented at trial," Nelson said Wednesday night.

The judge agreed with prosecutors' concerns about introducing the 17-year-old's text messages. But defense attorney Don West had argued the texts were relevant since they showed Martin's interest in fighting and physical capabilities.

Martin was unarmed and returning from a store when he was fatally shot by Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, during a struggle on a dark, rainy night in February 2012. Martin was black and Zimmerman identifies himself as Hispanic. Some civil rights activists argued that the initial delay in charging Zimmerman was influenced by Martin's race. Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and says he shot Martin in self-defense.

Jurors spent a significant part of Tuesday listening to a defense expert on gunshot wounds testify that the trajectory of the bullet and gunpowder on Martin's body support Zimmerman's account that the teenager was on top of the defendant when he shot and killed Martin.

Dr. Vincent DiMaio, the forensic pathologist, also used photographs of Zimmerman to point out where he appeared to have been struck. Defense attorneys were hoping DiMaio's testimony would help convince jurors of Zimmerman's claims that he shot Martin in self-defense.

DiMaio said the muzzle of Zimmerman's gun was against Martin's clothing and it was anywhere from 2 to 4 inches from Martin's skin.

"This is consistent with Mr. Zimmerman's account that Mr. Martin was over him, leaning forward at the time he was shot," said DiMaio, the former chief medical examiner in San Antonio.

DiMaio testified that lacerations to the back of Zimmerman's head were consistent with it striking a concrete sidewalk, as the defendant has claimed. Later, when looking at photos of Zimmerman's injuries taken the night of the shooting, DiMaio identified six separate impacts to Zimmerman's face and head. He said he believed Zimmerman's nose had been broken.

"It's obvious he's been punched in the nose and hit in the head," he said.

Under cross-examination, DiMaio conceded that the gunshot could also be consistent with Martin pulling away from Zimmerman, and that he reached his conclusion without factoring in statements from some neighbors who say Zimmerman was on top of Martin. DiMaio, who has testified at high-profile trials including that of record producer Phil Spector, said witness accounts are often unreliable. The pathologist said he had been paid $2,400 by the defense.

DiMaio's testimony also addressed the difference between Zimmerman's account that he had placed Martin's arms out to his sides and a photo taken after the shooting that shows Martin's arms under his body. The pathologist said Martin would have been conscious for 10 to 15 seconds after the shooting as a reserve supply of oxygen ran out of his body, and during that time he could have moved his arms.

After DiMaio testified, the 911 calls that captured sounds of the fatal encounter were discussed again. Defense attorneys called Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte to the witness stand to describe the circumstances of how Martin's family came to hear the 911 tapes. Bonaparte said he played the 911 tapes while members of Martin's family sat together at City Hall. He played them as a courtesy before they were released publicly.

Defense attorneys are trying to show that Martin's family members may have influenced each other in concluding the screams are those of the Miami teen. Police officers testified for the defense that it's better for someone who is trying to identify a voice to listen to it alone.

Convincing the jury of who was screaming for help on the tape has become the primary goal of prosecutors and defense attorneys because it would help jurors evaluate Zimmerman's self-defense claim. Relatives of Martin's and Zimmerman's have offered conflicting opinions about who is heard screaming.

[American Patriot]

Think someone might have mentioned this before... I keep meaning to clear the air on the "innocence of skittles and arizona iced tea" (which is weren't anyway):

Monday, 28 May 2012
TRAYVON MARTIN: ABOUT THAT "ICED TEA" AND SKITTLES...
Ken Berwitz We all "know" that Trayvon Martin was killed by George Zimmerman just after he had gone to a convenience store to buy "iced tea and skittles". And we all "know" that iced tea and skittles is about as innocent a purchase as there could be. All it does is satisfy an innocent young man's desire for a soft drink and candy, right? Well, hold on to your hats. That may not be the way of things at all. Much of what you are about to read was derived from a two-part analysis at something called theconservativetreehouse.com. I do not know this site and cannot speak either for its credibility or its motives. But every one of the links it provided, which I am using as the basis for my own commentary, checked out 100%. You can read the web site's entire analysis by clicking here and here - and I hope you do, so you can make your own judgment of its validity. Now let's talk about the findings. First off, Trayvon did not buy iced tea. He bought Arizona Watermelon fruit juice cocktail. That is 100% clear from the Crime Scene Photographs released to the press and published by the Orlando Sentinel. Use the link I've just provided, scroll to photograph #50, and see for yourself. Why would this make a difference? What possible reason would there be to care about whether Trayvon Martin's soft drink flavor was iced tea or watermelon? The answer, straight from the urban dictionary, and cannabis.com, is that those are two ingredients used to make a concoction called "lean", which appears to be a popular high for Black kids. First, what, specifically, is "lean"? According these exerpts from urbandictionary.com: Purple Drank is a intoxicating beverage also known by the names lean, sizzurp, and liquid codeine. It is commonly abused by southern rappers and wannabe suburban teenagers. It is a mixture of Promethazine/Codeine cough syrup and sprite, with a few jolly ranchers and/or skittles thrown in. Next, go to the cannibis.com site I've linked above. If you can get through the heavy dose of profanity used by its fans, you will find that watermelon flavored soft drinks have become a popular alternative to Sprite when making "lean" Now: Why have media continued to misstate Trayvon Martin's convenience store purchase as iced tea instead of watermelon fruit juice for the past three months? Is it an honest error? That's certainly possible - I've been doing it myself, for no other reason than that I didn't see the crime photograph and didn't know it would have made any difference. But, apparently, anyone hip to urban culture might well have known the significance of the watermelon drink. Which leads us to Travyon Martin's lawyer, Benjamin Crump. I am not casting aspersions here because I have no proof,. But I must at least entertain the possibility that a lawyer like Benjamin Crump, who apparently often deals with urban clients on urban issues, might well know this. Is that why he told us Trayvon purchased iced tea instead of watermelon fruit juice? Is this some kind of cover-up for what Trayvon Martin was really doing when he decided to go out to a convenience store in a rainstorm? Did he put some of this concoction together for the walk home? Is this why he might have been "just walking about, looking about", as George Zimmerman described, instead of moving along to try to get out of the rain? Ironically, if Martin had been drinking lean, it also could be used as part of his defense. The urban dictionary tells us that: Lean slows you down. It makes you feel good. It's meant to be sipped on, and it taste damn good. One of the best feelings you will ever experience. Euphoria with a hint of sedation. That information might be used by the prosecution to indicate Trayvon Martin could not have been the kind of aggressor George Zimmerman described, because it would have slowed him down and mellowed him. Of course the defense could also argue that Martin was a 6 foot-plus football playing 17 year old, therefore very strong. And "lean' might have slowed him down to where he could bash Zimmerman's head on the concrete hard enough to only hurt him, not kill him. One other thing, and it is a very important point: The autopsy report, so far as I know, did not indicate the presence of promethazine and codeine in Trayvon Martin's system. If it wasn't there, whatever use he might have intended to put the watermelon juice and skittles to is moot. However, a) I do not know that the full autopsy report has been released and b) I do know that the prosecutor has not released all the evidence. So it remains a possibility. How's that for a little something to think about as the Trayvon Martin case moves along?

[Ryan Ruck]

As trial winds down, odds of Zimmerman taking stand slim

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/10...#ixzz2YeKWI3y1

There's no point for him to. He'd have to open himself up to cross examination and he's already submitted 2 interviews of the events as they transpired.

Awkward: Judge Walks Out on Zimmerman Defense Lawyer During Heated Late-Night Session

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013...night-session/

I think it's more about her being dismissive of the entire Defense.

'Justice for George Zimmerman' sign at Flint business calls for not guilty verdict

Sign to be defaced in 3, 2, 1...

Zimmerman Defense to Introduce Controversial Animation at Closing

Good! I hope they release it on YouTube as well. This is as much a trial in the court of public opinion as it is a trial in the courtroom.

[Malsua]

Tray tray got his weed on and was heading home to get his lean on. He was a drug addled trouble maker, who was doing the B&E routine to get his drank on. He figured he'd play a little polar bear hunting for some fun and got called on it. If he wanted to go that route, he should have done it in NJ where no one carries.

[American Patriot]

He didn't know about gun-free zones, you know.

[American Patriot]

Panthers Possibly Stacking the Deck

Rumor has it the New Black Panther Party is busing in rioters to Florida to help kick off the festivities if Zimmerman walks. Of course the Left will claim any uprisings are spontaneous and Holder and Obama will have their back. Lay low if you can, if not remember the fundamentals of marksmanship, after all Florida is a Stand Your Ground State. Try to avoid trouble if you can, but be prepared to defend yourself.