President Obama responds to Zimmerman verdict
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama called on Sunday for "calm reflection" following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.The president, in a written statement, acknowledged an emotionally charged climate but concluded that "we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken."Obama called Martin's death a tragedy for America."I know this case has elicited strong passions.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama called on Sunday for "calm reflection" following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.The president, in a written statement, acknowledged an emotionally charged climate but concluded that "we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken."Obama called Martin's death a tragedy for America."I know this case has elicited strong passions.
Trayvon Martin's dad: My heart is broken, my faith is not
(CNN) -- Trayvon Martin's father says his heart is broken but his faith is not."God blessed Me & Sybrina with Tray and even in his death I know my baby proud of the FIGHT we along with all of you put up for him GOD BLESS," Tracy Martin wrote, in the first of three tweets sent about 30 minutes after the not-guilty decision was read in the Sanford, Florida, courtroom.
(CNN) -- Trayvon Martin's father says his heart is broken but his faith is not."God blessed Me & Sybrina with Tray and even in his death I know my baby proud of the FIGHT we along with all of you put up for him GOD BLESS," Tracy Martin wrote, in the first of three tweets sent about 30 minutes after the not-guilty decision was read in the Sanford, Florida, courtroom.
George Zimmerman found not guilty of murder in Trayvon Martin
(CNN) -- George Zimmerman never denied shooting Trayvon Martin, but he said he did so in self defense.
(CNN) -- George Zimmerman never denied shooting Trayvon Martin, but he said he did so in self defense.
What's next: George Zimmerman a free man
(CNN) -- The acquittal of George Michael Zimmerman, 29, means he's a free man and will be able to walk out of the courthouse because he's no longer in police custody.He will be free, if he chooses, to leave Seminole County, Florida.
(CNN) -- The acquittal of George Michael Zimmerman, 29, means he's a free man and will be able to walk out of the courthouse because he's no longer in police custody.He will be free, if he chooses, to leave Seminole County, Florida.
Jury deliberates Zimmerman's fate for a second day
(CNN) -- The six women deliberating George Zimmerman's fate asked the court Saturday evening for clarification on the instructions regarding manslaughter, the judge said.That couldn't have even been a question a few days ago: Judge Debra Nelson ruled Thursday, over the defense's vehement objection, to include manslaughter as an option for jurors, in addition to the second-degree murder charge.
(CNN) -- The six women deliberating George Zimmerman's fate asked the court Saturday evening for clarification on the instructions regarding manslaughter, the judge said.That couldn't have even been a question a few days ago: Judge Debra Nelson ruled Thursday, over the defense's vehement objection, to include manslaughter as an option for jurors, in addition to the second-degree murder charge.
After days of testimony, jurors deliberate Zimmerman's fate
(CNN) -- After 14 days of witness testimony and arguments on both sides, the fate of George Zimmerman now rests with six women.These jurors began their deliberations around 2:30 p.m. Friday, after Judge Debra Nelson read a lengthy list of instructions.
(CNN) -- After 14 days of witness testimony and arguments on both sides, the fate of George Zimmerman now rests with six women.These jurors began their deliberations around 2:30 p.m. Friday, after Judge Debra Nelson read a lengthy list of instructions.
Defense presenting closing argument in Zimmerman case
(CNN) -- Closing arguments resumed Friday in the murder case against George Zimmerman in the fatal shooting last year of Trayvon Martin -- a 17-year-old unarmed, black teenager -- by a 29-year-old neighborhood watch volunteer."Be careful," lead defense attorney Mark O'Mara told the jury as Zimmerman, dressed in a dark suit, looked on with interest. "This is a serious, serious matter for Mr.
(CNN) -- Closing arguments resumed Friday in the murder case against George Zimmerman in the fatal shooting last year of Trayvon Martin -- a 17-year-old unarmed, black teenager -- by a 29-year-old neighborhood watch volunteer."Be careful," lead defense attorney Mark O'Mara told the jury as Zimmerman, dressed in a dark suit, looked on with interest. "This is a serious, serious matter for Mr.
Closing arguments begin in Zimmerman trial
(CNN) -- It all comes down to this: after more than a year of impassioned public debate, months of sometimes heated legal wrangling and more than three weeks of trial, the men trying to put George Zimmerman away and those seeking to keep him free faced off Thursday in closing arguments of his second-degree murder trial."A teenager is dead through no fault of his own, dead because a man made assumptions and acted on them, unfortunately, because his assumptions are wrong, Trayvon Benjamin Martin no longer walks on the earth," prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda said as he opened his argument."He profiled him as a criminal.
(CNN) -- It all comes down to this: after more than a year of impassioned public debate, months of sometimes heated legal wrangling and more than three weeks of trial, the men trying to put George Zimmerman away and those seeking to keep him free faced off Thursday in closing arguments of his second-degree murder trial."A teenager is dead through no fault of his own, dead because a man made assumptions and acted on them, unfortunately, because his assumptions are wrong, Trayvon Benjamin Martin no longer walks on the earth," prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda said as he opened his argument."He profiled him as a criminal.
Judge: Zimmerman jurors can consider manslaughter charge
(CNN) -- Jurors in the George Zimmerman second-degree murder trial will be allowed to consider at least one lesser charge -- manslaughter -- when they get the case after closing arguments, Judge Debra Nelson ruled Thursday.But she put off a decision whether they could consider a charge of third-degree murder after attorney Don West offered fierce objection to the charge, which prosecutors said is based on the idea that Zimmerman committed child abuse in killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin."Oh my God," he told Nelson. "Just when I thought this case couldn't get any more bizarre, the state is seeking third-degree murder based on child abuse."Prosecutors are seeking the additional charges to give jurors more options should they find Zimmerman didn't commit second-degree murder when he killed Martin on February 26, 2012.In arguing unsuccessfully against the manslaughter charge, West told Nelson that Zimmerman believes that because the "state has charged him with second-degree murder, they should be required to prove it, if they can."Closing arguments in the case were expected to begin Thursday afternoon, after attorneys finish arguing over legal points in the jury instructions -- including decisions on explaining justifiable use of force and Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law.The law provides legal protections to people who use deadly force against attackers when faced with a fear of death or serious harm.Zimmerman, 29, has never denied shooting Martin.
(CNN) -- Jurors in the George Zimmerman second-degree murder trial will be allowed to consider at least one lesser charge -- manslaughter -- when they get the case after closing arguments, Judge Debra Nelson ruled Thursday.But she put off a decision whether they could consider a charge of third-degree murder after attorney Don West offered fierce objection to the charge, which prosecutors said is based on the idea that Zimmerman committed child abuse in killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin."Oh my God," he told Nelson. "Just when I thought this case couldn't get any more bizarre, the state is seeking third-degree murder based on child abuse."Prosecutors are seeking the additional charges to give jurors more options should they find Zimmerman didn't commit second-degree murder when he killed Martin on February 26, 2012.In arguing unsuccessfully against the manslaughter charge, West told Nelson that Zimmerman believes that because the "state has charged him with second-degree murder, they should be required to prove it, if they can."Closing arguments in the case were expected to begin Thursday afternoon, after attorneys finish arguing over legal points in the jury instructions -- including decisions on explaining justifiable use of force and Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law.The law provides legal protections to people who use deadly force against attackers when faced with a fear of death or serious harm.Zimmerman, 29, has never denied shooting Martin.
Zimmerman opts not to testify as his defense team rests case
(CNN) -- George Zimmerman left court-watchers waiting until the last minute Wednesday, but finally announced after his defense team offered their last witnesses that he would not testify in his own defense in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.The defense rested its case Wednesday afternoon after Judge Debra Nelson refused a defense request to enter a judgment of acquittal without sending the case to the jury.That left Zimmerman's father, Robert Zimmerman, as the last defense witness.
(CNN) -- George Zimmerman left court-watchers waiting until the last minute Wednesday, but finally announced after his defense team offered their last witnesses that he would not testify in his own defense in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.The defense rested its case Wednesday afternoon after Judge Debra Nelson refused a defense request to enter a judgment of acquittal without sending the case to the jury.That left Zimmerman's father, Robert Zimmerman, as the last defense witness.
Zimmerman trial: Doctor details how Trayvon Martin bled to death
(CNN) -- A forensic pathologist testified for the defense in the George Zimmerman trial Tuesday, describing Trayvon Martin's traumatic last moments alive as he bled to death in the grass after being shot at close range."If he was involved in a struggle you expect his heart to be going, beating -- especially after he had been shot -- more than a 100 times a minute," said Dr.
(CNN) -- A forensic pathologist testified for the defense in the George Zimmerman trial Tuesday, describing Trayvon Martin's traumatic last moments alive as he bled to death in the grass after being shot at close range."If he was involved in a struggle you expect his heart to be going, beating -- especially after he had been shot -- more than a 100 times a minute," said Dr.
Trayvon Martin's mother, brother take the stand
(CNN) -- Prosecutors on Friday called Trayvon Martin's mother and brother to the stand in the trial of the man who fatally shot him.George Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder.
(CNN) -- Prosecutors on Friday called Trayvon Martin's mother and brother to the stand in the trial of the man who fatally shot him.George Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder.
No DNA from Trayvon Martin on Zimmerman's gun
(CNN) -- Prosecutors in the George Zimmerman trial presented evidence of DNA test results to the jury Wednesday that showed where Zimmerman's and Trayvon Martin's genetic material ended up during their 2012 altercation.Anthony Gorgone, DNA lab analyst for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, methodically walked the jury through the results of his DNA testing of Zimmerman's gun, the clothing both individuals wore the night of the shooting and scrapings from Martin's finger nails.Zimmerman did not show any emotion as Gorgone testified, but he appeared to be paying close attention.Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for killing 17-year-old Martin in Sanford, Florida, on February 26, 2012.
(CNN) -- Prosecutors in the George Zimmerman trial presented evidence of DNA test results to the jury Wednesday that showed where Zimmerman's and Trayvon Martin's genetic material ended up during their 2012 altercation.Anthony Gorgone, DNA lab analyst for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, methodically walked the jury through the results of his DNA testing of Zimmerman's gun, the clothing both individuals wore the night of the shooting and scrapings from Martin's finger nails.Zimmerman did not show any emotion as Gorgone testified, but he appeared to be paying close attention.Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for killing 17-year-old Martin in Sanford, Florida, on February 26, 2012.
George Zimmerman: Trayvon Martin attacked me
(CNN) -- On Monday, for the first time, jurors in the George Zimmerman trial heard from the former neighborhood watch volunteer about the events that led to Trayvon Martin's death on February 26, 2012."I tried to defend myself," Zimmerman said during his first police interview the night of the shooting. "He just started punching me in the face, and I started screaming for help.
(CNN) -- On Monday, for the first time, jurors in the George Zimmerman trial heard from the former neighborhood watch volunteer about the events that led to Trayvon Martin's death on February 26, 2012."I tried to defend myself," Zimmerman said during his first police interview the night of the shooting. "He just started punching me in the face, and I started screaming for help.
Witness: Zimmerman, Martin were in mixed-martial-arts-style fight
(CNN) -- A prosecution witness testified Friday in the George Zimmerman trial that he saw the former neighborhood watch captain and Trayvon Martin engaged in a mixed martial arts-style fight the night Martin was fatally shot.Jonathan Good said he heard a faint noise coming from the back of his home in the Retreat at Twin Lakes on February 26, 2012.
(CNN) -- A prosecution witness testified Friday in the George Zimmerman trial that he saw the former neighborhood watch captain and Trayvon Martin engaged in a mixed martial arts-style fight the night Martin was fatally shot.Jonathan Good said he heard a faint noise coming from the back of his home in the Retreat at Twin Lakes on February 26, 2012.
Key witness recounts Trayvon Martin's final phone call
(CNN) -- Taking the stand on the third day of the George Zimmerman trial, a friend of Trayvon Martin testified about the final moments of the teenager's life, saying that Martin told her someone was following him."A man was watching him," said 19-year-old Rachel Jeantel, who was on the phone with Martin just before he was fatally shot. "He said the man kept watching him.
(CNN) -- Taking the stand on the third day of the George Zimmerman trial, a friend of Trayvon Martin testified about the final moments of the teenager's life, saying that Martin told her someone was following him."A man was watching him," said 19-year-old Rachel Jeantel, who was on the phone with Martin just before he was fatally shot. "He said the man kept watching him.
Will George Zimmerman's past come to haunt him?
(CNN) -- Judge Debra Nelson heard arguments Tuesday morning on whether the jury in the George Zimmerman trial should hear about other incidents when Zimmerman reported suspicious people in his neighborhood, the Retreat at Twin Lakes.The former neighborhood watch captain is charged with second-degree murder for shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012.
(CNN) -- Judge Debra Nelson heard arguments Tuesday morning on whether the jury in the George Zimmerman trial should hear about other incidents when Zimmerman reported suspicious people in his neighborhood, the Retreat at Twin Lakes.The former neighborhood watch captain is charged with second-degree murder for shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012.
Zimmerman opening statements: Expletives, knock-knock joke
(CNN) -- A prosecuting attorney greeted the jury in the George Zimmerman trial Monday with a quote full of expletives, while his adversary decided it was appropriate to tell jurors a knock-knock joke.And that was just the beginning of opening statements in Zimmerman's long-anticipated murder trial.In a case that has ignited national debate about gun laws and race relations, Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain, is accused of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February 2012 in Sanford, Florida.Prosecutor John Guy's first words to the six-woman jury may have raised a few eyebrows."Good morning. 'F*****g punks, these a******s all get away,'" Guy quoted Zimmerman. "These were the words in this grown man's mouth as he followed this boy that he didn't know.
(CNN) -- A prosecuting attorney greeted the jury in the George Zimmerman trial Monday with a quote full of expletives, while his adversary decided it was appropriate to tell jurors a knock-knock joke.And that was just the beginning of opening statements in Zimmerman's long-anticipated murder trial.In a case that has ignited national debate about gun laws and race relations, Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain, is accused of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February 2012 in Sanford, Florida.Prosecutor John Guy's first words to the six-woman jury may have raised a few eyebrows."Good morning. 'F*****g punks, these a******s all get away,'" Guy quoted Zimmerman. "These were the words in this grown man's mouth as he followed this boy that he didn't know.
Opening statements Monday in George Zimmerman trial
(CNN) -- Opening statements begin Monday in the trial of George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain accused of fatally shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012, in Sanford, Florida.
(CNN) -- Opening statements begin Monday in the trial of George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain accused of fatally shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012, in Sanford, Florida.
Zimmerman judge: No state expert testimony on 911 calls
(CNN) -- A Florida judge has ruled that the opinion of two of the prosecution's witnesses -- audio experts who analyzed 911 calls from the night Trayvon Martin was killed -- will not be allowed at George Zimmerman's murder trial.Zimmerman, a former neighborhood watch captain, is charged with second-degree murder in the killing of 17-year-old Martin in Sanford, Florida, on February 26, 2012.
(CNN) -- A Florida judge has ruled that the opinion of two of the prosecution's witnesses -- audio experts who analyzed 911 calls from the night Trayvon Martin was killed -- will not be allowed at George Zimmerman's murder trial.Zimmerman, a former neighborhood watch captain, is charged with second-degree murder in the killing of 17-year-old Martin in Sanford, Florida, on February 26, 2012.