Defense rests, Zimmerman won't take stand
Lawyers for George Zimmerman rested their case Wednesday without calling the former neighborhood watch volunteer to testify, setting up the final stages of his closely watched murder trial for the shooting of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin.
"After consulting with counsel, [I have decided] not to testify, your honor," Zimmerman told Florida Judge Debra Nelson.
Nelson also rejected a defense motion to dismiss the second-degree murder charge against Zimmerman, a routine request.
The defense used less than four days of testimony to present its case, after prosecutors spent nine days putting on witnesses.
Jurors are likely to begin deliberating later this week, after prosecutors call at least two rebuttal witnesses and both sides make closing arguments.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep.16: From Island to island, how football helped overcome tragedy Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks to Carey football player James McGrath about how he has persevered after losing his parents at a young age, and to the Lahainaluna (Hawaii) High School football coach about how his team persevered after the Maui wildfires of 2023, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the All-Long Island teams photo shoot.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep.16: From Island to island, how football helped overcome tragedy Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks to Carey football player James McGrath about how he has persevered after losing his parents at a young age, and to the Lahainaluna (Hawaii) High School football coach about how his team persevered after the Maui wildfires of 2023, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the All-Long Island teams photo shoot.
