Fate of George Zimmerman in hands of Florida jury
- 11 years ago
The judge in the George Zimmerman murder trial instructs jurors on Friday to seek a unanimous verdict on one of three options - second-degree murder, manslaughter or acquittal, saying the burden of proof rests with the state.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) JUDGE DEBRA NELSON SAYING:
"The constitution requires the state to prove its accusation against George Zimmerman, it is not necessary for George Zimmerman to disprove anything nor is George Zimmerman required to prove his innocence."
At issue: whether Zimmerman acted in self-defense, and with justifiable use of deadly force, when he fatally shot unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin on a rainy night in Sanford, Florida last year.
Prosecutors say Zimmerman was a "wannabe cop" who tracked down the teenager and shot him without justification.
The conflict began when the former neighborhood watchman called police to report a suspicious person. The 911 call played out in court.
NATURAL SOUND RECORDING OF 911 CAL
(SOUNDBITE) (English) JUDGE DEBRA NELSON SAYING:
"The constitution requires the state to prove its accusation against George Zimmerman, it is not necessary for George Zimmerman to disprove anything nor is George Zimmerman required to prove his innocence."
At issue: whether Zimmerman acted in self-defense, and with justifiable use of deadly force, when he fatally shot unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin on a rainy night in Sanford, Florida last year.
Prosecutors say Zimmerman was a "wannabe cop" who tracked down the teenager and shot him without justification.
The conflict began when the former neighborhood watchman called police to report a suspicious person. The 911 call played out in court.
NATURAL SOUND RECORDING OF 911 CAL