The defense in the George Zimmerman trial is expected to close its case today after judge Debra Nelson ruled against evidence it sought to introduce yesterday.
Zimmerman is not expected to take the stand today. Jurors have repeatedly seen video recordings of him telling his side of the story to police investigators and Fox’s Sean Hannity. If convicted, the 29-year-old former neighborhood watch captain could face life in prison for second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
The two-week trial has grabbed the national spotlight, with everyone already predicting an outcome. ABC’s Dan Abrams predicts Zimmerman will be acquitted. “Based on the legal standard and evidence presented by prosecutors it is difficult to see how jurors find proof beyond a reasonable doubt that it wasn’t self defense,” he wrote recently. Abrams believes the prosecution has failed to make a case for convicting Zimmerman, leaving the jury little choice but to acquit. Others, like the Martin family’s attorney Daryl Parks, believes Zimmerman will be found guilty. “He (Zimmerman) was following Trayvon. Was the amount of force justified? Prosecutors are proving it wasn’t justified,” Parks said in an interview with the Florida Courier.
Where do you stand on the case? Do you believe Zimmerman will be acquitted, convicted of a lesser charge or be found guilty of second-degree murder? Share your thoughts and comments with us below. [poll id=339246]