A Florida judge has denied a request from George Zimmerman’s defense attorney to acquit the neighborhood watch volunteer of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin.
Defense attorney Mark O’Mara argued for acquittal Friday after prosecutors rested their case.
O’Mara said prosecutors hadn’t proved their case. He said there was enormous evidence presented over the past two weeks that Zimmerman had acted in self-defense.
Prosecutor Richard Mantei argued the state had met its burden and that Zimmerman had lied about what happened.
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting 17-year-old Martin last year. He pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense.
Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda told the judge Friday afternoon that the state would rest its case.
Over two weeks, prosecutors called more than three dozen witnesses. Those witnesses included Zimmerman’s neighbors, who heard parts of the fight between Zimmerman and Martin; Martin’s friend, who was talking to him moments before he was shot; police officers who responded to the scene; and medical experts who testified on Zimmerman’s injuries.
Zimmerman’s defense attorneys will now present their witnesses.
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting the 17-year-old. He is pleading not guilty, claiming self-defense.
