George Zimmerman -- Trial for the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin --June 10, 2013

George Zimmerman's lawyer challenges use of voice experts at trial


George Zimmerman, defendant in the killing of Trayvon Martin, stands in Seminole circuit court in Sanford, Florida, with his attorney Mark O'Mara (R), for a pre-trial hearing April 30, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Joe Burbank/Pool

By Barbara Liston
ORLANDO, Florida | Mon May 6, 2013 8:12pm EDT

(Reuters) - A lawyer for a Florida man charged in the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin is asking a judge to bar voice-recognition experts from testifying at his murder trial on grounds their techniques are not scientifically valid.

Prosecutors are expected to call audio experts to testify in the trial of George Zimmerman to analyze a 911 call made during the night when Martin was shot and killed. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain, goes on trial June 10 on charges of second-degree murder.

One potential piece of evidence is expected to be a 911 call in which screams for help can be heard in the background during an altercation between Zimmerman and Martin before the shooting.

Read more:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/07/us-usa-florida-shooting-idUSBRE94600120130507

GEORGE ZIMMERMAN DEFENSE MOTION:

MOTION FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING REGARDING ADMISSIBILITY OF EXPERT OPINION TESTIMONY

on 06 May 2013.

http://www.gzdocs.com/documents/0513/mot_for_evidentiary_hearing.pdf

Alessandra wrote:

(Reuters) - A lawyer for a Florida man charged in the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin is asking a judge to bar voice-recognition experts from testifying at his murder trial on grounds their techniques are not scientifically valid.

He said it was him screaming, and others thought it was Trayvon. He must know it wasn't him, or why else would he want the judge to bar the voice recognition experts from testifying. He knew it wasn't him screaming when he told the LE that it was him.

sitemama wrote:Alessandra wrote:

(Reuters) - A lawyer for a Florida man charged in the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin is asking a judge to bar voice-recognition experts from testifying at his murder trial on grounds their techniques are not scientifically valid.

He said it was him screaming, and others thought it was Trayvon. He must know it wasn't him, or why else would he want the judge to bar the voice recognition experts from testifying. He knew it wasn't him screaming when he told the LE that it was him.

Exactly!

I don't believe the motion will be granted.

Zimmerman requests hearing to determine type of testimony heard by jury

Posted: 10:37 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2013

SANFORD, Fla. — George Zimmerman and his attorney requested a hearing to determine the type of expert testimony the jury should be allowed to hear.

Zimmerman is accused of shooting and killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford.

Attorney Mark O'Mara filed the motion on Friday, asking for stricter credentials for anyone identifying a voice in recordings played in court.

It's ultimately up to the jury to determine the credibility of an expert's opinion.

Read more:

http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/zimmerman-requests-hearing-determine-type-testimon/nXhk6/

Alessandra_Deux wrote:George Zimmerman's lawyer challenges use of voice experts at trial


George Zimmerman, defendant in the killing of Trayvon Martin, stands in Seminole circuit court in Sanford, Florida, with his attorney Mark O'Mara (R), for a pre-trial hearing April 30, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Joe Burbank/Pool

By Barbara Liston
ORLANDO, Florida | Mon May 6, 2013 8:12pm EDT

(Reuters) - A lawyer for a Florida man charged in the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin is asking a judge to bar voice-recognition experts from testifying at his murder trial on grounds their techniques are not scientifically valid.

Prosecutors are expected to call audio experts to testify in the trial of George Zimmerman to analyze a 911 call made during the night when Martin was shot and killed. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain, goes on trial June 10 on charges of second-degree murder.

One potential piece of evidence is expected to be a 911 call in which screams for help can be heard in the background during an altercation between Zimmerman and Martin before the shooting.

Read more:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/07/us-usa-florida-shooting-idUSBRE94600120130507

holy crap he put on some pounds since last I checked in on this case...hmmm not something that will be in his favor IMO

First George Zimmerman trial subpoena goes out

May 7, 2013 | By Rene Stutzman, Orlando Sentinel

SANFORD - In yet another sign that the George Zimmerman second-degree murder trial is just weeks away, today the first trial subpoena was returned to the Seminole County Courthouse.

It is for Jeffrey Morales, custodian of records at the Seminole County Jail. Special Prosecutor Angela Corey sent it to him Friday, ordering him to be ready to appear June 10 or any day thereafter as long as the trial lasts.

June 10 is the day it's to begin. It's not clear how long it will last. On Tuesday, defense attorney Mark O'Mara predicted jury selection would take two to three weeks and the rest of the trial another two to three weeks.

It's not clear why prosecutors have subpoenaed the head of records at the jail where Zimmerman was locked up for several weeks, but he is likely among hundreds of witnesses who are being notified to get ready to appear.

Read more:

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-05-07/news/os-george-zimmerman-trial-subpoena-20130507_1_trial-subpoena-trayvon-martin-jury-selection

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Zimmerman Wants Trayvon Martin Jurors Sequestered

By MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press
SANFORD, Fla. May 9, 2013 (AP)

The neighborhood watch volunteer charged with fatally shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin wants the jury at his trial to be sequestered and for panelists to be able to inspect the crime scene.

Zimmerman's attorney filed a motion Thursday asking that jurors be kept in isolation during the trial and that their names and other personal information remain confidential because of the immense attention the case has received.

Read more:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/zimmerman-trayvon-martin-jurors-sequestered-19146148

New Zimmerman motions: Defense wants anonymous jury; state wants to question Shellie

By Rene Stutzman and Jeff Weiner, Orlando Sentinel
5:16 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2013

The day before the deadline for pre-trial motions in the George Zimmerman case, there was a flurry of filings Thursday.

George Zimmerman's attorneys filed paperwork asking his judge to allow trial jurors to visit the scene of Trayvon Martin's shooting, and also to sequester his jury and keep their identities of a secret.

Meanwhile, prosecutors filed a motion asking Circuit Judge Debra Nelson to order Zimmerman's wife, Shellie, to answer questions in a pre-trial deposition.

Read more:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/trayvon-martin/os-george-zimmerman-trial-jury-20130509,0,3638854.story

State's Motion Requesting Court to Compel Shellie Zimmerman to Testify at Deposition

Text version:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUT
IN AND FOR SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA

STATE OF FLORIDA
VS
GEORGE ZIMMERMAN CASE NO. 2012-001083-CFA
SA NO: 1712F04573

http://zimmerman-vs-martin.blogspot.com/2013/05/states-motion-for-shellie-to-depose.html

Prosecutors: Keep Trayvon Martin’s Life Separate

May 13, 2013 9:44 PM

SANFORD (CBSMiami) – The prosecution in the George Zimmerman murder case requested that some of Trayvon Martin’s personal information stay out of the courtroom.

Read more:

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/05/13/prosecutors-keep-trayvon-martins-life-separate/

Trayvon Martin: Shouts for help on 911 call, are they his? (+video)

Trayvon Martin: Shouts for help heard on a 911 recording may be Trayvon Martin's or may be George Zimmerman's. Audio experts disagree on the source of the shouts.

By Mike Schneider, Associated Press / May 15, 2013

Orlando, Fla.

Audio experts differ on whether screams for help captured on 911 calls are those of defendant George Zimmerman or of shooting victim 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, according to reports released Tuesday.

One New Jersey-based audio expert said in a report that the screams came from Martin, while another Florida-based audio expert said the shouts were a mix of Martin and Zimmerman.

Read more:

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2013/0515/Trayvon-Martin-Shouts-for-help-on-911-call-are-they-his-video

Experts differ on Trayvon's, Zimmerman's voice in 911 screams

Zimmerman attorney says he may seek trial delay in light of new expert reports.

May 14, 2013|By Jeff Weiner and Rene Stutzman, Orlando Sentinel

Two new reports from state audio experts give different conclusions about the voice screaming for help just before 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot: One said it was Trayvon. The other said some cries more likely came from his shooter.

It remains to be seen whether jurors will hear about the new evidence at George Zimmerman's trial, set to begin June 10 in Sanford. Zimmerman's lawyer said he may ask to delay the trial in light of the new analysis.

Read more:

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-05-14/news/os-george-zimmerman-trial-voice-20130514_1_george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-zimmerman-attorney-mark-o-mara

George Zimmerman's wife files trial witnesses list that includes sister-in-law, brother-in-law

By Rene Stutzman, Orlando Sentinel
3:52 p.m. EDT, May 16, 2013

SANFORD – George Zimmerman's wife, who is facing a perjury charge, has filed a witness list that includes her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, the couple who helped her husband set up a fund-raising website and manage the money that came flooding in.

Shellie Zimmerman is the wife of 29-year-old former Neighborhood Watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who is charged with murdering Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black 17-year-old, in Sanford Feb. 26, 2012.

She also is accused of a crime: perjury. Prosecutors contend she lied during her husband's April 20, 2012, bond hearing when she said told a judge they were broke.

Read more:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-shellie-zimmerman-defense-witnesses-20130516,0,2944284.story

George Zimmerman's father: My son faces 'malicious prosecution'

By Rene Stutzman, Orlando Sentinel
6:02 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2013

Robert Zimmerman, father of murder defendant George Zimmerman, is complaining about a state audio expert who reported hearing George Zimmerman make righteous statements during a call to police just before he shot Trayvon Martin.

"It now appears the state has somehow found an 'expert' that hears words and sentences that only he can," Robert Zimmerman wrote in a blog post Thursday.

"The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI experts, after exhaustive testing of the same recordings, were unable to hear any of these 'mystery words,' " Zimmerman's father wrote on a webpage that he and his wife launched last year to raise funds for themselves

Read more:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-zimmerman-dad-complains-20130520,0,4093165.story

George Zimmerman's father says he's 'disgusted' with Florida judicial system

Robert Zimmerman asks for more time, funds in letter posted online

Published On: May 20 2013 02:11:29 PM EDT
Updated On: May 20 2013 02:22:33 PM EDT

The father of George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman charged with shooting and killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, posted a letter online, saying he's "disgusted with Florida's judicial system."

According to the letter, dated May 16, signed "Robert Zimmerman" and posted on a website named RobertandGladys.com, the Zimmermans asked for more time to prepare for their son's trial and for more funds "to provide an effective defense."

Read more:

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/george-zimmermans-father-posts-letter-about-trial-asks-for-funds/-/1637132/20222056/-/28b8ih/-/index.html

Zimmerman attorneys: Jurors should hear about Trayvon's pot use

By Rene Stutzman, Orlando Sentinel
7:06 p.m. EDT, May 21, 2013

Trayvon Martin brought marijuana with him to Sanford from South Florida, according to new paperwork filed Tuesday by George Zimmerman's attorney, and used it at least once before he was killed.

Two weeks ago, prosecutors filed paperwork asking Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson to ban defense attorneys and witnesses from telling jurors that autopsy blood samples taken from Trayvon tested positive for marijuana use.

Defense attorney Don West filed his written response Tuesday: That information is relevant, so jurors should know about it.

Read more:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/trayvon-martin/os-george-zimmerman-trial-marijiana-20130521,0,2409628.story

Defense in Trayvon Martin Case Raises Questions About the Victim’s Character

By LIZETTE ALVAREZ
Published: May 23, 2013

MIAMI — Intending to draw a fuller, perhaps more negative portrait of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed teenager who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in early 2012, a lawyer for Mr. Zimmerman released new material on Thursday that depicted Mr. Martin as troubled at school and enamored of a “gangsta” culture.

In a series of text messages from November 2011 to February 2012, Mr. Martin wrote that he had been suspended from school for cutting classes. In the messages, he said his mother had “kicked” him out of the house and told him to move in with his father. In one message, Mr. Martin described himself as “gangsta.” Other text messages refer to his involvement in fights and reveal an interest in guns, including an exchange about possibly buying one, referring to it as a .380.

Read more:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/24/us/zimmermans-lawyers-release-text-messages-of-trayvon-martin.html?_r=0

_______________


Trayvon Martin case: Martin family lawyer on defense team’s photo release

Arial]Morgan Whitaker, @morganwinn
10:10 PM on 05/23/2013

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

An attorney for Trayvon Martin’s family joined PoliticsNation Thursday night to discuss a collection of photos and text messages that George Zimmerman’s defense team wants to show to a jury at trial.

Zimmerman’s lawyer, Mark O’Mara, plans to introduce into evidence photos showing Trayvon Martin blowing smoke, what appears to be marijuana, and a hand holding a gun. Additional evidence, released through a website run by Zimmerman’s defense team on Thursday, includes texts from Martin where he discusses smoking marijuana, school suspension, and guns.

“I’ve explained to them it’s just a desperate attempt by Zimmerman’s defense to try to prejudice and influence the jury, and that is an old strategy,” Martin family lawyer Benjamin Crump explained on Thursday’s PoliticsNation.

Read more:

http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/05/23/trayvon-martin-case-martin-family-lawyer-on-defense-teams-photo-release/

Marijuana, guns and fighting: New photos and texts from Trayvon Martin's cell phone paint troubling picture of slain teen

•Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial is set to start next month
•His attorneys have released a batch of photos and texts from Martin's cell phone including images of Martin smoking and a photo of a gun
•Prosecutors want evidence omitted from trial
•The defense team also want to use blood tests that show traces of marijuana in Martin's system

By Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press
PUBLISHED: 22:04 EST, 23 May 2013 | UPDATED: 22:43 EST, 23 May 2013
Read more:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2330068/George-Zimmerman-Marijuana-guns-fighting-New-photos-texts-Trayvon-Martins-cell-phone-paint-troubling-picture-slain-teen.html

Zimmerman's lawyers say Trayvon Martin argued with friend, was 'angry' on night of shooting

By James Novogrod and Tom Winter, NBC News

Attorneys for George Zimmerman say that unreleased text messages drawn from Trayvon Martin’s cell phone show the 17-year-old was arguing with a friend and was “angry” on the day he was shot and killed in Sanford, Fla.

“This is relevant to Mr. Martin’s overall demeanor that day and relevant to his emotional state,” a new court filing by the defense team reads. The filing goes on to say the messages “may assist the jury in understanding why Trayvon Martin chose to hide and then confront George Zimmerman rather than simply going home.”

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/25/18496890-zimmermans-lawyers-say-trayvon-martin-argued-with-friend-was-angry-on-night-of-shooting

Judge: Jurors can't see crime scene in Martin case

Jurors who will consider whether George Zimmerman committed murder when he fatally shot Trayvon Martin will not be able to travel to the crime scene during his trial.

Originally published May 28, 2013 at 5:14 AM | Page modified May 28, 2013 at 7:33 AM

By KYLE HIGHTOWER
Associated Press

SANFORD, Fla. — Jurors who will consider whether George Zimmerman committed murder when he fatally shot Trayvon Martin will not be able to travel to the crime scene during his trial.

Circuit Judge Debra Nelson on Tuesday nixed the idea from Zimmerman's attorneys and also ruled against a defense request that the pool of jury candidates be sequestered during jury selection.

The judge also said jurors will be referred to by their jury numbers and prohibited their faces from being photographed.

http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2021071159_apusneighborhoodwatch.html

Trayvon Martin Update: Judge blocks Zimmerman's defense from discussing Martin's alleged fighting, marijuana use

May 28, 2013 10:07 AM

(CBS/AP) SANFORD, Fla. -- A Florida judge ruled Tuesday that George Zimmerman's defense may not bring up Trayvon Martin's past marijuana use, school suspensions or fighting at trial without another ruling granting them permission, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

The ruling comes during a pre-trial hearing two weeks ahead of Zimmerman's murder trial. He is charged with fatally shooting the unarmed 17-year-old Martin last year during a confrontation at a gated community in Sanford.

Read more:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57586390-504083/trayvon-martin-update-judge-blocks-zimmerman-defense-from-discussing-martins-alleged-fighting-marijuana-use/

Some of the Judge's rulings at today's hearing:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/trayvon-martin/os-george-zimmerman-trial-stay-hearing-20130528,0,1951849.story

Judge refuses to delay trial in Trayvon Martin killing

Yamiche Alcindor, USA TODAY11:40 a.m. EDT May 28, 2013

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2013/05/28/trayvon-martin-testimony-trial/2365367/

I watched this morning - I maybe might could be enticed to follow this trial. Not as much as the Jodi Arias trial, but to some degree.

I kinda don't like this George character. Seems arrogant and definitely has shown no remorse.

Mari 68 wrote:I watched this morning - I maybe might could be enticed to follow this trial. Not as much as the Jodi Arias trial, but to some degree.

I kinda don't like this George character. Seems arrogant and definitely has shown no remorse.

Mari, if you can view the Hannity interview with Zimmerman you might see him show remorse. I sometimes wonder if attorneys tell their clients how to show some remorse because there is definetly a pattern with defendants on " how " they express remorse. I have noticed that over time.

Pianist wrote:

Mari 68 wrote:I watched this morning - I maybe might could be enticed to follow this trial. Not as much as the Jodi Arias trial, but to some degree.

I kinda don't like this George character. Seems arrogant and definitely has shown no remorse.

Mari, if you can view the Hannity interview with Zimmerman you might see him show remorse. I sometimes wonder if attorneys tell their clients how to show some remorse because there is definetly a pattern with defendants on " how " they express remorse. I have noticed that over time.

Actually, that was the one and only interview I did watch. He said something like "it was God's plans"

he never said "I wish I wasn't there, I should have listened to the 911 operator"

Just that "well, things happen for a reason, it was God's plan"

I wanted to puke.

Alessandra_Deux wrote:Prosecutors: Keep Trayvon Martin’s Life Separate

May 13, 2013 9:44 PM

SANFORD (CBSMiami) – The prosecution in the George Zimmerman murder case requested that some of Trayvon Martin’s personal information stay out of the courtroom.

Read more:

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/05/13/prosecutors-keep-trayvon-martins-life-separate/

A case of blaming the victim. Again.

Who cares if Trayvon was in a good mood or a nasty mood the night he was murdered?
What bearing would it even have?
Did GZ KNOW Trayvon was in some possible funk the night GZ pulled a gun on an unarmed teenager and proceeded to gun him down?
IF GZ was NOT privy to the personal interactions Trayvon was having with others PRIOR to murdering him, what influence would it have NOW on WHY GZ killed him?
The argument Trayvon was having did NOT involve GZ and did not take place within GZ' hearing so, IMO, it has NO bearing upon WHY GZ killed Trayvon.

The info should not be allowed.

Should we allow testimony from others, ie supporting collected evidence, to indicate the predilections of GZ based upon HIS priors? He is, after-all, the confessed murderer. Perhaps this evidence with testimony from others, would help us to understand the mind of the murderer. He is the accused and not the victim here.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/25/18496890-zimmermans-lawyers-say-trayvon-martin-argued-with-friend-was-angry-on-night-of-shooting

Freckles wrote:

Alessandra_Deux wrote:Prosecutors: Keep Trayvon Martin’s Life Separate

May 13, 2013 9:44 PM

SANFORD (CBSMiami) – The prosecution in the George Zimmerman murder case requested that some of Trayvon Martin’s personal information stay out of the courtroom.

Read more:

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/05/13/prosecutors-keep-trayvon-martins-life-separate/

A case of blaming the victim. Again.

Who cares if Trayvon was in a good mood or a nasty mood the night he was murdered?
What bearing would it even have?
Did GZ KNOW Trayvon was in some possible funk the night GZ pulled a gun on an unarmed teenager and proceeded to gun him down?
IF GZ was NOT privy to the personal interactions Trayvon was having with others PRIOR to murdering him, what influence would it have NOW on WHY GZ killed him?
The argument Trayvon was having did NOT involve GZ and did not take place within GZ' hearing so, IMO, it has NO bearing upon WHY GZ killed Trayvon.

The info should not be allowed.

Should we allow testimony from others, ie supporting collected evidence, to indicate the predilections of GZ based upon HIS priors? He is, after-all, the confessed murderer. Perhaps this evidence with testimony from others, would help us to understand the mind of the murderer. He is the accused and not the victim here.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/25/18496890-zimmermans-lawyers-say-trayvon-martin-argued-with-friend-was-angry-on-night-of-shooting

Freckles, I agree with you concerning all the stuff about Treyvon. It is not relevant to that night IMO. For example the chemical in pot remains in a person's system for about 45 days. Who says when he smoked it?


I don't want crap coming from either side here. I just would like facts and not inuendos. There is too much of that in these high profile cases.
Too much is brought in through the media to sway public opinion and not for the betterment of the trial.

I thought the judge's rulings today were very good. I hope the jury is sequestered in order to keep the media bias away from them as much as possible.

I worry that this is going to be so contentious that no matter what the verdict there will be societal repercussions and that will be a shame.

George Zimmerman Hearing - May 28, 2013 (Videos)

Hearing: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9.

Press Conference: Part 10, Part 11, Part 12.

Watch the videos here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/stateoftheinternet/videos

Mark O'Mara on his client George Zimmerman: "He's gained an enormous amount of weight"

May 28th, 2013
10:21 PM ET

On the heels of a ruling which saw George Zimmerman lose a series of potentially crucial pretrial motions, tonight Piers Morgan spoke live with lawyers working either side of the case centered around the 2012 shooting death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin.

Representing Zimmerman, attorney Mark O'Mara attempted to explain why his client has undergone such a dramatic change in his physical appearance:

Read more:

http://piersmorgan.blogs.cnn.com/2013/05/28/mark-omara-on-his-client-george-zimmerman-hes-gained-an-enormous-amount-of-weight/

I too was relieved to see the judge in this case shot down all the crap about Trayvon's personal life...none of it is a factor in what went down that night and I am sick of the victims being the ones put on trial.
I don't believe Zimmerman left his house that night with the intent to kill someone..I don't believe he followed Trayvon with the intent to kill him either. I believe George Zimmerman just wanted to stop one of his neighbors homes from being robbed and he crossed a line when he continued to follow rather than remain at his truck until officers arrived.
Alot of people I know believe it was self defense and I am sure in Zimmerman's mind it is as well,but the fact is Trayvon had the right to defend himself against an unknown adult male that was obviously pursuing him. Yes he could of ran home,but there was a child home alone there and it is very likely Trayvon did not want this stranger following him to that home because of that. Regardless of who started the physical confrontation first George Zimmerman was in the wrong that night and because of his decision to pursue what he believed to be a criminal, an innocent young man's life was ended. This is something Zimmerman should be punished for IMO.

The defense would have us to believe that Trayvon, who has NO history of robbery/burglary, just decided on that rainy day, in a neighborhood he'd never been to before, to start looking around to break into a house.

Idiots!!!

Mari 68 wrote:The defense would have us to believe that Trayvon, who has NO history of robbery/burglary, just decided on that rainy day, in a neighborhood he'd never been to before, to start looking around to break into a house.

Idiots!!!

I have not read or heard the allegations that Trayvon was planning on robbing anyone. He had skittles and a cell phone, no burglary tools. Maybe George thought that might have been his intent just like Trayvon might have thought Zimmerman meant him harm.

IMO it does matter who started the physical altercation , but we will probably never know because only one person is alive to tell his side.

At this point I do not know what to believe and with the likes of Nancy Grace and others voicing unsubstantiated very loud beliefs it gets frustrating. I really hope this trial brings me to a rational opinion.

This is not as clear cut as the Arias trial. That one was easy for me. The Casey Anthony trial was heart wrenching, but the prosecution only had circumstantial evidence that failed the test for the jury. I believe to this day that she murdered her daughter but my opinion was based on emotion and relied on her lies and her mother's lies and attitude.

With Zimmerman I hope we find facts. A young man is gone and that is not right in my eyes and I hurt for the family. But I have yet to come to an opinion on guilt and punishment.

I hope you all will be patient with me here at RC and clearly understand what I am meaning.

Pianist wrote:

Mari 68 wrote:The defense would have us to believe that Trayvon, who has NO history of robbery/burglary, just decided on that rainy day, in a neighborhood he'd never been to before, to start looking around to break into a house.

Idiots!!!

I have not read or heard the allegations that Trayvon was planning on robbing anyone. He had skittles and a cell phone, no burglary tools. Maybe George thought that might have been his intent just like Trayvon might have thought Zimmerman meant him harm.

IMO it does matter who started the physical altercation , but we will probably never know because only one person is alive to tell his side.

At this point I do not know what to believe and with the likes of Nancy Grace and others voicing unsubstantiated very loud beliefs it gets frustrating. I really hope this trial brings me to a rational opinion.

This is not as clear cut as the Arias trial. That one was easy for me. The Casey Anthony trial was heart wrenching, but the prosecution only had circumstantial evidence that failed the test for the jury. I believe to this day that she murdered her daughter but my opinion was based on emotion and relied on her lies and her mother's lies and attitude.

With Zimmerman I hope we find facts. A young man is gone and that is not right in my eyes and I hurt for the family. But I have yet to come to an opinion on guilt and punishment.

I hope you all will be patient with me here at RC and clearly understand what I am meaning.

I'm right there with ya..all I know is I can not view it as self- defense as Zimmerman was armed and he was the pursuer. I don't believe Zimmerman to be a monster but the fact he and his supporters chose to villianize Trayvon from day one disturbs me a great deal.

Villanizing people (either side) seems to be how our justice system is working now. IMO if anyone is accused of anything, guilty or innocent, their reputation will be scarred for life. No longer is someone presumed innocent. They are garbage to be maligned. That to me is sad. In the Arias case it was okay to treat Travis like trash and that was the strategy accepted. If something is factual okay but not the way things are handled in the courts today.

Attorneys: Defense fund for George Zimmerman is almost empty less than 2 weeks before trial

Published May 29, 2013 / Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. – George Zimmerman's defense fund is almost depleted with less than two weeks until the former neighborhood watch leader goes on trial in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin.

Zimmerman's attorneys posted on their website Wednesday that the fund had less than $5,000 left. The fund had almost $315,000 in January.

Read more:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/29/attorneys-defense-fund-for-george-zimmerman-is-almost-empty-less-than-2-weeks/#ixzz2Unce1QIA

Pianist wrote:

Mari 68 wrote:The defense would have us to believe that Trayvon, who has NO history of robbery/burglary, just decided on that rainy day, in a neighborhood he'd never been to before, to start looking around to break into a house.

Idiots!!!

I have not read or heard the allegations that Trayvon was planning on robbing anyone. He had skittles and a cell phone, no burglary tools. Maybe George thought that might have been his intent just like Trayvon might have thought Zimmerman meant him harm.

IMO it does matter who started the physical altercation , but we will probably never know because only one person is alive to tell his side.

At this point I do not know what to believe and with the likes of Nancy Grace and others voicing unsubstantiated very loud beliefs it gets frustrating. I really hope this trial brings me to a rational opinion.

This is not as clear cut as the Arias trial. That one was easy for me. The Casey Anthony trial was heart wrenching, but the prosecution only had circumstantial evidence that failed the test for the jury. I believe to this day that she murdered her daughter but my opinion was based on emotion and relied on her lies and her mother's lies and attitude.

With Zimmerman I hope we find facts. A young man is gone and that is not right in my eyes and I hurt for the family. But I have yet to come to an opinion on guilt and punishment.

I hope you all will be patient with me here at RC and clearly understand what I am meaning.

I don't know very much myself. And I should correct something - when I said the 'defense' I should have said George Zimmerman and one of his neighbors. The neighbor was on the news - called his place "ground zero" - must be where the killing occurred. Seems the neighbor was told by George that Trayvon was up in this man's yard looking into the windows - as if to see about burglarizing the home.

This was moments before the shooting - and we know that Trayvon knew he was being followed moments before the scruffle - if Trayvon was most certainly in this man's yard and looking into the FRONT windows, I say he was looking for help. An adult - anyone.

I don't buy it.

I wasn't gonna follow this trial - but I do see some inconsistancies that fascinate me. I want to see how its all presented.

GZDEFENSEFUND

Zimmerman Defense Fund Out Of Money

on 29 May 2013.

There are 12 days until jury selection begins in the Zimmerman Case. With less than two weeks left before trial, the defense is without funds to properly prepare the case. There is less than $5,000 in the trust account, we have more than $20,000 in liabilities, and we’ll need even more to get through trial. In the last two months we’ve received a little over $26,000 in donations -- a sizable sum, but less than half of what we needed.

Everyone on the defense team has made sacrifices in our fight to prove George’s innocence. Mr. O’Mara and Mr. West have not been paid a cent for their services; many interns work diligently for no money; some staffers work for far less than they deserve. Meanwhile, the State of Florida has spared no expense in it’s prosecution of George Zimmerman.

In the days ahead, we need to spend thousands of dollars on transcripts of crucial depositions. We need to pay experts and provide them accommodations during the time they may be needed at trial. We’ve contributed all we can, and now we need to ask, hopefully for the last time, for your help.

~Snipped~

If you believe that George acted properly in self-defense; if you feel he is being wrongly prosecuted; if you feel that George deserves a fair trial, please consider sending one last donation. Even the smallest donations of $5.00 and $10.00 are significant when multiplied by the thousands who contribute.

Read more:

http://www.gzdefensefund.com/donate/index.php/updates-2/21-zimmerman-defense-fund-out-of-money

Trayvon Martin update: Trying Trayvon in court of public opinion

Thursday, May 30, 2013 - Ad Lib by Catherine Poe

Read more: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/ad-lib/2013/may/30/trayvon-martin-update-trying-trayvon-court-public-/#ixzz2UssPy2bc

Freckles wrote:A case of blaming the victim. Again.

Well, GZ's story paints himself as the victim, and that plays an integral role in his self-defense argument.

Freckles wrote:Who cares if Trayvon was in a good mood or a nasty mood the night he was murdered?
What bearing would it even have?

In part, it helps to add credibility to GZ's story that TM attacked him. Perhaps GZ's continued observations of TM, while TM was already in an agitated mood, served to push TM over the edge, and that contributed to his (alleged) decision of attacking GZ.

Freckles wrote:IF GZ was NOT privy to the personal interactions Trayvon was having with others PRIOR to murdering him, what influence would it have NOW on WHY GZ killed him?
The argument Trayvon was having did NOT involve GZ and did not take place within GZ' hearing so, IMO, it has NO bearing upon WHY GZ killed Trayvon.

I don't think anybody is insinuating that it has anything to do with WHY GZ shot TM; it's only purpose it to lend consistency to GZ's story.

Freckles wrote:He is, after-all, the confessed murderer.

He has not confessed to murder, he has confessed to the shooting/killing. He claims it was done in self-defense, which is not equivalent to "murder".

sitemama wrote:Alessandra wrote:

(Reuters) - A lawyer for a Florida man charged in the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin is asking a judge to bar voice-recognition experts from testifying at his murder trial on grounds their techniques are not scientifically valid.

He said it was him screaming, and others thought it was Trayvon. He must know it wasn't him, or why else would he want the judge to bar the voice recognition experts from testifying. He knew it wasn't him screaming when he told the LE that it was him.

"Others" (Mary Cutcher?) thought it was TM after they learned he was a "boy". Nobody there knew TM, or knew what his voice sounded like, and could therefore match the screams they heard to a familiarity with TM's voice.

I imagine they don't have faith in the voice recognition expert's "science". It would be a crap shoot at best. In fact, I believe that's exactly what they're challenging, the "science" of the testing methods, at the June 6th(?) hearing.

Has there even been a voice sample of Trayvon's offered for comparison yet? I don't recall hearing about anything yet (though I imagine there would have to be something).

The article referenced above is very I interesting and on point about trying things in the media, BUT IMO it does not go far enough. The prosecution has also had their time at influencing the public opinion with their statements and that should be stopped also. As a member of the public I want to hear both sides or NOTHING but facts at trial.

There should be a gag order on both sides not just one. Disparaging only GZ is not right nor disparaging TM. There is a delicate balance that we as the public should be looking for. Neither of these two men's past should be spread over the news wires IMO. What I am I interested in is that night. Both of these guys THOUGHT the other was "up to no good". What happened needs to be proven. I do not think we have enough real information to say we know for sure, but that is just my opinion.

I found out an interesting FACT. Here in Florida when either the defense or the prosecution turns discovery over to the other side it automatically becomes PUBLIC information so it then can be picked up by the media and broadcast out. So who really is to BLAME for the bad info being used to sway the potential jurors?

allears wrote:

sitemama wrote:
He said it was him screaming, and others thought it was Trayvon. He must know it wasn't him, or why else would he want the judge to bar the voice recognition experts from testifying. He knew it wasn't him screaming when he told the LE that it was him.

"Others" (Mary Cutcher?) thought it was TM after they learned he was a "boy". Nobody there knew TM, or knew what his voice sounded like, and could therefore match the screams they heard to a familiarity with TM's voice.

I imagine they don't have faith in the voice recognition expert's "science". It would be a crap shoot at best. In fact, I believe that's exactly what they're challenging, the "science" of the testing methods, at the June 6th(?) hearing.

Has there even been a voice sample of Trayvon's offered for comparison yet? I don't recall hearing about anything yet (though I imagine there would have to be something).

There might be exemplars of Trayvon's voice, but let's just suppose the voice experts don't have an exemplar of his voice, it doesn't necessarily mean that they can't perform a voice identification analysis to determine who was the person that was heard screaming in the 911 call, all they need is an exemplar of Zimmerman's voice, if the the voice analysis excludes Zimmerman, it is logical to assume that he was not the person crying for help. There were only two people in the backyard on the night of the shooting; George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin.

We can discuss ad nauseam whose voice it was, but it ultimately boils down to who jurors believe was the person screaming in the background..

Sharpton interviews George Zimmerman's lawyer about Trayvon Martin's shooting case

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/45755884/vp/52051226#52051226

George Zimmerman judge: No trial delay in Trayvon Martin shooting

May 28, 2013|By Rene Stutzman, Orlando Sentinel

SANFORD – At the start of George Zimmerman's murder trial, which begins in two weeks, expect Trayvon Martin to be portrayed as an innocent teenager, an unarmed 17-year-old who was killed while walking home in the rain.

By the time it concludes, however, jurors may have a more menacing view of him.

Read more:

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-05-28/news/os-george-zimmerman-trial-stay-hearing-20130528_1_trayvon-martin-sybrina-fulton-benjamin-crump

Off-topic

New deadline for letters opposing parole for Abigail Young: 6/30/13


Yesterday (5/30/13), I spoke to a representative from the Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice - Victim Services Division in Austin, TX.

I was told that numerous letters opposing Abigail Young's parole have been received.

Parole review is a process. The representative told me that letters can still be sent and if received by June, 30, 2013, they will be included in Abigail Young's file which will be sent to the Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles.

The representative suggests that if any one still wants to write a letter, they do so as soon as possible. The sooner; the better!

Also, you can write more than one letter. If you already sent a letter and you forgot to include some info you wanted to state in your first letter, you can send another letter.

You can include Links to articles, pdf files, etc. in your letter.

So . . . if you have not written a letter opposing Abigail Young's parole, you still have an opportunity to be a voice for her daughter, the victim . . . barely-4-year old Emma Thompson who was brutally raped and beaten to death!

As stated in previous comments, serving less than 3 years of a 20 year sentence is NOT justice for Emma Thompson!


If you have limited time, your letter can be as simple as:

"I oppose parole for Abigail Young."


Letters can me mailed, e-mailed or FAX and MUST include Abigail Young's pertinent TDCJ info (hi-lited in blue):

Reference: Young, Abigail
State ID: 08428403
TDCJ ID: 01668233
Placed on Parole Review: 4/30/13

Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice
Victim Services Division
8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Ste. 265
Austin, TX 78757-6899

Email: victim.svc@tdcj.state.tx.us

Fax: (512) 452-0825

Source of comment:

http://www.realitychatter.com/t4317-emma-thompson-deceased-6-27-09-thread-2#218018
RC - Emma Thompson thread #2
~~~~~

Special thanks to all of you who wrote a letter opposing parole for Abigail Young and being a voice for precious Emma Thompson.

Thank you, in advance, to those who will write a letter opposing parole for Abigail Young by the new deadline of 6/30/13!

Allears---

JMO re the killing of TM.

When someone stalks or follows another person (as GZ did), a person who is minding his own business (as TM was doing), "happens to have a gun" and then proceeds to kill the person being stalked, I call that murder. IF you want to soften that and call it accidental death, justifiable death, or whatever you are comfortable with, that is fine by me. There is no evidence yet presented to indicate any remorse on the part of GZ or any explanation qualifying the death as accidental or even justifiable homicide. TM, IF he inflicted any damages to the body of GZ certainly did not deserve to die. Force equals force and TM did NOT have a weapon on him. GZ was not entitled to shoot a person he had profiled and stalked.

TM would NOT be dead today if not for the actions of GZ.


Replying to this snipped from above:

allears said:

" Freckles wrote:He is, after-all, the confessed murderer.


He has not confessed to murder, he has confessed to the shooting/killing. He claims it was done in self-defense, which is not equivalent to "murder". "

allears wrote:

Freckles wrote:A case of blaming the victim. Again.

Well, GZ's story paints himself as the victim, and that plays an integral role in his self-defense argument.

Freckles wrote:Who cares if Trayvon was in a good mood or a nasty mood the night he was murdered?
What bearing would it even have?

In part, it helps to add credibility to GZ's story that TM attacked him. Perhaps GZ's continued observations of TM, while TM was already in an agitated mood, served to push TM over the edge, and that contributed to his (alleged) decision of attacking GZ.

Freckles wrote:IF GZ was NOT privy to the personal interactions Trayvon was having with others PRIOR to murdering him, what influence would it have NOW on WHY GZ killed him?
The argument Trayvon was having did NOT involve GZ and did not take place within GZ' hearing so, IMO, it has NO bearing upon WHY GZ killed Trayvon.

I don't think anybody is insinuating that it has anything to do with WHY GZ shot TM; it's only purpose it to lend consistency to GZ's story.

Freckles wrote:He is, after-all, the confessed murderer.

He has not confessed to murder, he has confessed to the shooting/killing. He claims it was done in self-defense, which is not equivalent to "murder".

Allears---
You seem to have singled out just my postings. That is very interesting.
This must mean you agree with ALL the other posters and just find my comments offensive, right?

You remind me of another poster...