Last week, George Zimmerman's defense team leaked text messages and photos from Trayvon Martin in an apparent attempt to cast shadows of doubt on his character. With just a few weeks for the trial, Zimmerman's defense is doing anything it can to save the 29-year-old. It looks like they're going to have to dig a bit deeper, because a judge has decided that only some of the content can be used, and in a limited capacity.
Per Circuit Judge Debra Nelson, the defense will not be allowed to mention Martin's drug use, past fights or suspension from school during opening statements in the trial. Furthermore, Nelson nixed the idea to have jurors visit the site of Martin's murder during the trial and refused to delay it.
Nelson ruled that some of Martin's texts and other social media material cannot be used during opening statements, but other personal material could be introduced depending on the trial's progression. Lead defense attorney Mark O'Mara attempted to argue that Martin's marijuana use was relevant to the case because it "could have affected his behavior" the night he was killed.
Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder for killing Martin in Sanford, FL last February. He has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is set to begin Jun. 10.
[via The Huffington Post]
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