Zimmerman’s Lawyer, in Trayvon Martin Case, Asks for Extension – Judge Denies Request
On what would have been Trayvon Martin’s 18th birthday, Judge Debra Nelson denied the defense’s request to delay the trial until November.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on June 10th.
Last year, George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer at the Sanford townhouse complex in Florida, got into a scuffle with Trayvon Martin and fatally shot the teenager. He now faces second degree murder charges, but has pled not guilty and claims to have acted in self-defense.
Zimmerman’s defense attorney, Mark O’Mara, submitted a request to delay the trial until November, which Judge Nelson denied. O’Mara requested the extension on the basis that the prosecuting attorneys, supplied by the state of Florida, have been slow to turn over evidence, and he therefore has not had enough time to prepare his defense. The state attorney denied the accusation.
“We’re four months away from trial,” Nelson said. “The court has no reason to continue the case.”
Nelson also noted that O’Mara has been on the case for nearly a year, and his problems gathering evidence are not insurmountable.
O’Mara has also renewed the defense’s request for access to Martin’s social media accounts, as well as records from the analysis done on Martin’s cell phone. Judge Nelson approved the motion regarding the cell phone records, which were unlocked and analyzed in California, and ordered Assistant State Attorney Bernie de la Rionda to hand them to O’Mara. Judge Nelson further approved a motion from the defense to subpoena credit card sales from the 7-Eleven that Martin visited the night of his death.
Finally, after a lengthy discussion, Judge Nelson agreed that Witness 8 – a young woman who claims to have been on the phone with Martin during the confrontation between him and Zimmerman – could be asked about her Twitter handle before she is deposed by the defense, but all other questions must be held until her deposition.
Family Marks Trayvon Martin’s Birthday
To honor Trayvon Martin, his family and community have gathered together to help the community heal and create solidarity. On Tuesday, February 5th, community leaders hosted a program called “Banding Together for Peace.” The event was hosted in Goldsboro, an historically black neighborhood, and featured members of the Sanford Police Department, the NAACP, and local city officials.
The weekend will feature several events as well. On Saturday, community leaders in Miami will host “I am Trayvon, Day of Remembrance Peace Walk,” and on Sunday, The Trayvon Martin Foundation, set up by parents Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, will host a fundraising dinner called “We Remember Trayvon,” with several guests including Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.
Defense Attorney Requests More Funds to Help Zimmerman in Trayvon Martin Case
Meanwhile, Mark O’Mara has renewed his online request for funds to help defend George Zimmerman.
“The state has virtually unlimited resources to prosecute George,” O’Mara said on Zimmerman’s defense fund website. “To finance his defense, however, George relies on the generosity of individuals who believe he is innocent.”
O’Mara has details regarding Zimmerman’s defense fund on his website, including information on where money is being spent. Zimmerman remains free on a $1 million bond, with an ankle GPS tracker to keep him in Sanford, Fl.
The Strom Law Firm Offers Criminal Defense in South Carolina
Many convictions have lasting consequences beyond any sentence or fine imposed which can destroy your livelihood, eliminate your right to carry a gun, and result in the loss of custody rights. Contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today for a free consultation to discuss whether we may be able to help you avoid punishment including possible fines and jail time. Do not let criminal charges ruin your future. 803.252.4800.
