With just a few weeks before George Zimmerman is due to stand trial for the murder of Trayvon Martin, his defense team has released texts and photos from the teen. Team Zimmerman wants to know if the material can be used during the trial, and this is clearly part of an effort to smear Martin prior to it.
The 29-year-old Zimmerman has been charged with killing Martin, 17, following a confrontation in a Sanford, FL community last February. Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder; he's pleaded not guilty, claiming that he shot the unarmed Martin in self-defense.
The photos reportedly show Martin extending his middle finger to the camera while blowing smoke. Other photos show a firearm and what is believed to be a marijuana plant. Keep in mind that it's unclear whether Martin is the person holding the gun. Via text, Martin reportedly told a friend that his mother suggested he move in with his father after he was caught ditching school.
A motion has been filed by prosecutors to prevent the photos and texts from being used, and a hearing which will settle the matter has been scheduled for next Tuesday. Mark O'Mara, who's leading Zimmerman's defense, says that the content could be relevant if Martin's character is called into question.
Here's the thing, though: George Zimmerman didn't know about any of that when he shot Trayvon Martin. Nothing "revealed" by these images or text messages suggest that an unarmed teenager deserved to die, or that Zimmerman was justified in his actions. Lets not lose sight of that.
[via Fox News]
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