SANFORD – Jurors will hear opening statements at the George Zimmerman murder trial today, as attorneys for both sides begin telling their version of what happened the night Zimmerman killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, a homicide that set of weeks of civil rights rallies.
The six jurors and four alternates seated last week will be presented with starkly contrasting depictions of Zimmerman, 29: The state alleges that he profiled the unarmed teenager, then followed, confronted and killed Trayvon Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford.
Zimmerman, who is charged with second-degree murder, says he fired the fatal shot in self-defense after Trayvon punched him to the ground and began beating him.
When the trial resumes about 9 a.m. today, prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda is expected to present the state's opening, followed by defense attorney Don West.
Circuit Judge Debra Nelson ruled late last week that the state can use several phrases in opening that Zimmerman's defense team had argued were too inflammatory: Prosecutors can say Zimmerman was a "wannabe cop," or a "vigilante," the judge ruled. They can also say Zimmerman "confronted" Trayvon.
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The judge also ruled the state can say Trayvon, a black teen from Miami Gardens, was profiled by Zimmerman, though she instructed prosecutors to avoid the phrase "racially profiled."
Opening statements come on the heels of a major victory for Zimmerman's defense: Nelson ruled Saturday that forensic audio analysts the state hoped to call as expert witnesses will not be allowed to testify at trial.
The state's experts had said it's likely Trayvon, not Zimmerman, was the person heard crying for help in a recorded a 911 call. Experts for the defense said identifying the screamer was impossible, and the state experts were using junk science.
After openings, the state will call its first witness. It's unclear who that will be. Local lawyers interviewed by the Sentinel last week listed an array of options, including a 911 operator, the lead investigator in the case or Trayvon's mother, Sybrina Fulton.
The case will be closely watched across the nation. When Sanford police didn't arrest Zimmerman after the shooting, citing his self-defense claim, it prompted widespread civil-rights protests, in Sanford and across the globe. Zimmerman was later charged by a special prosecutor.
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates, and visit OrlandoSentinel.com for a live video stream and chat.
The six jurors and four alternates seated last week will be presented with starkly contrasting depictions of Zimmerman, 29: The state alleges that he profiled the unarmed teenager, then followed, confronted and killed Trayvon Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford.
Zimmerman, who is charged with second-degree murder, says he fired the fatal shot in self-defense after Trayvon punched him to the ground and began beating him.
When the trial resumes about 9 a.m. today, prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda is expected to present the state's opening, followed by defense attorney Don West.
Circuit Judge Debra Nelson ruled late last week that the state can use several phrases in opening that Zimmerman's defense team had argued were too inflammatory: Prosecutors can say Zimmerman was a "wannabe cop," or a "vigilante," the judge ruled. They can also say Zimmerman "confronted" Trayvon.
Pictures: Recent notable pop culture deaths
The judge also ruled the state can say Trayvon, a black teen from Miami Gardens, was profiled by Zimmerman, though she instructed prosecutors to avoid the phrase "racially profiled."
Opening statements come on the heels of a major victory for Zimmerman's defense: Nelson ruled Saturday that forensic audio analysts the state hoped to call as expert witnesses will not be allowed to testify at trial.
The state's experts had said it's likely Trayvon, not Zimmerman, was the person heard crying for help in a recorded a 911 call. Experts for the defense said identifying the screamer was impossible, and the state experts were using junk science.
After openings, the state will call its first witness. It's unclear who that will be. Local lawyers interviewed by the Sentinel last week listed an array of options, including a 911 operator, the lead investigator in the case or Trayvon's mother, Sybrina Fulton.
The case will be closely watched across the nation. When Sanford police didn't arrest Zimmerman after the shooting, citing his self-defense claim, it prompted widespread civil-rights protests, in Sanford and across the globe. Zimmerman was later charged by a special prosecutor.
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates, and visit OrlandoSentinel.com for a live video stream and chat.