Zimmerman murder trial begins with jury selection
A noticeably heavier George Zimmerman was in a Sanford Florida court on Monday for the start of his trial for the murder of Trayvon Martin.
Zimmerman, a 29-year-old former neighborhood watch volunteer, is charged with second degree murder in the shooting of Martin -- a 17-year-old unarmed black teenager.
Galling to many Americans was the fact that Zimmerman walked free for 44 days after the shooting. The incident sparked protests nationwide -- with many convinced race played a role in the lack of police action.
Zimmerman invoked Florida's "stand your ground" statute saying he acted in self-defense.
The first order of business in this closely watched case will be selecting six jurors, which could take at least a week.
The trial could last between four and eight weeks. Zimmerman could face up to life in prison if he is convicted.
Zimmerman, a 29-year-old former neighborhood watch volunteer, is charged with second degree murder in the shooting of Martin -- a 17-year-old unarmed black teenager.
Galling to many Americans was the fact that Zimmerman walked free for 44 days after the shooting. The incident sparked protests nationwide -- with many convinced race played a role in the lack of police action.
Zimmerman invoked Florida's "stand your ground" statute saying he acted in self-defense.
The first order of business in this closely watched case will be selecting six jurors, which could take at least a week.
The trial could last between four and eight weeks. Zimmerman could face up to life in prison if he is convicted.