Zimmerman Describes Trayvon Martin Shooting in Police Interview
Jurors heard George Zimmerman's account of the events leading up to the death of Trayvon Martin in a voice recording for the first time on Monday.
Now in the second week of trials, it is still unclear whether or not George Zimmerman will take the stand. But Monday marked the first day that jurors heard Zimmerman's account of events through recorded police interviews. Given the uncertainty of Zimmerman taking the stand, it could be the only opportunity for the jury to hear Zimmerman tell his side.
It was these same recordings that first drew national attention to the George Zimmerman case. During phone calls made by Zimmerman to police, Zimmerman described Martin as a "real suspicious guy." He proceeded to chase after Martin despite being told by police to remain where he was and at one point in the call, referred to Martin as an "a------."
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But in interviews with police, Zimmerman appeared less distressed and was compliant, waiving his right to an attorney. In one interview hear by the jury on Monday, police ask Zimmerman why he thought Martin was suspicious.
"Did it ever occur to you to ask this person what he was doing out there?" Sanford Police Det. Christopher Serino, lead officer on the case, ask Zimmerman.
"No, sir," Zimmerman replied.
"Do you think he was scared - do you think he thought you were trying to hurt him?" another officer asked. "Can you see how this might frighten him?"
After a moment of silence, Zimmerman responds: "I didn't have the opportunity."
Serino returned to the stand on Tuesday confirming that George Zimmerman's story had remained "consistent." While acknowledging that the defendant appeared to suffer no serious injuries, Serino testified that he found no reason to doubt that Zimmerman's story was false.
Serino initially wanted to charge Zimmerman with manslaughter. His faith in Zimmerman's story was altered after he informed Zimmerman that police had captured security footage of his actions and the defendant responded "Thank God."
Zimmerman could face life in prison if convicted of second-degree murder.
