Thread: Murder defendant Zimmerman wants Trayvon Martin's pot use to be referenced at trial

Murder defendant Zimmerman wants Trayvon Martin's pot use to be referenced at Florida trial

Published May 22, 2013
Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. – An attorney for the neighborhood watch leader charged with fatally shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is asking a judge to deny prosecutors' request that the teen's marijuana use be off limits.

George Zimmerman's attorney filed a motion Monday claiming that Martin likely was under the influence of marijuana at the time of his death in February 2012. Attorney Don West says that could be relevant to a jury evaluating Martin's actions the night he was shot.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for shooting Martin during a confrontation at the gated community in Sanford where he lived. His trial is scheduled to start next month.

Zimmerman is pleading not guilty, claiming self-defense.

Prosecutors have asked a judge to not allow Martin's drug use or other personal matters from being used at trial.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/22...#ixzz2U3mwdniZ

Defense releases photos, texts of Trayvon Martin

Published May 23, 2013
Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. – George Zimmerman's defense attorneys on Thursday released photos and text messages from 17-year-old Trayvon Martin's cellphone ahead of a hearing that will determine whether they can be used at Zimmerman's murder trial.

Zimmerman is charged with fatally shooting Martin last year during a confrontation at a gated community in Sanford. He is pleading not guilty, claiming self-defense. His trial starts next month.

The photos show Martin blowing smoke and extending his middle finger to the camera. The photos also show a gun and what appears to be a potted marijuana plant.

In the text messages, Martin tells a friend that his mother has told him he needs to move out of her house and move in with his father since he was caught skipping school.

Prosecutors have filed a motion asking Circuit Judge Debra Nelson to prevent the photos, texts and other personal information from being used at the second-degree murder trial. The hearing is set for next Tuesday.

Zimmerman's defense attorney, Mark O'Mara told The Associated Press last week that the materials could be relevant if prosecutors put a spotlight on Martin and his character.

"If the state puts at issue Trayvon, who he was. If the state makes that an issue, we get to respond to that," O'Mara said.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/23...#ixzz2U9yZ1iOK