Opening statements begin in Zimmerman trial
By Kyle Hightower and Mike Schneider, Associated Press —
SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — George Zimmerman’s defense attorneys can use statements the neighborhood watch volunteer made to a police officer and neighbor immediately after he fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
Judge Debra Nelson made the ruling Monday that the remarks could be used shortly before opening statements in Zimmerman’s second-degree murder trial.
Zimmerman told the officer and neighbor that he was yelling for help but nobody responded during his confrontation with Martin.
Zimmerman is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder, claiming self-defense.
Arguments over whether the remarks could be used by the defense delayed opening statements by a few minutes.
