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Saturday, April 20, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Women Fill Zimmerman Murder Trial Jury

SANFORD, Fla. (CN) - Trayvon Martin's killer George Zimmerman will be tried for second-degree murder before a jury of six women.

The jurors and four alternates were seated Thursday on the ninth day of questioning.

Zimmerman, 29, killed the unarmed 17-year-old Martin in February 2012.

Whether he killed Martin is not at issue. Zimmerman, a Neighborhood Watch volunteer, claims he killed Martin in self defense, under Florida's "stand your ground" law.

If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.

Five of the jurors are white and one appears to be Hispanic. Two men and two women were chosen as alternates.

The case has exacerbated racial tensions and set off nationwide protests. Zimmerman was not arrested for more than 6 weeks after the killing.

Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara said his client is ready for trial.

"He's been waiting 15 or 16 months to clear his name," O'Mara said Thursday. "I'm happy we were able to seat a jury in Seminole County."

Natalie Jackson, an attorney for Martin's family, said the case was about equal justice, not about race.

"As long as the jury does their duty, which is basing their verdict on the evidence in the trial, then we feel good about this case," Jackson said.

The jury will be sequestered during trial, which is expected to last two to four weeks from opening arguments, which are expected Monday.

Seminole County Judge Debra Nelson is expected to rule today on whether the jury can hear expert testimony about a voice screaming for help on a 911 call.

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