New evidence could shake up George Zimmerman’s second-degree murder trial this week. Florida Department of Law Enforcement released the results Wednesday of a DNA test performed on the gun and holster owned by George Zimmerman. It revealed the DNA of Trayvon Martin was not present on the grip, slide, or trigger of the pistol used in the fatal shooting that claimed young Martin’s life on February 26 in Sanford, Florida.
These details mark an interesting turn in the landmark case that has sparked outrage among civil rights activists and driven heated national debates on racial stereotyping and the leniency of Florida gun laws. The controversy surrounding the case erupted after an unarmed African-American teenager was shot and killed by Zimmerman, a 28-year-old Neighborhood Watch volunteer. Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in the shooting but is presently out on bail. He pleaded not guilty.
The prevailing question of the case surrounds whether or not Zimmerman discharged his firearm in self-defense. Zimmerman told police the 17-year-old jumped on top of him, pounded his head into the ground and starting reaching for his gun before he fired.
— By Declan Murphy
The place for in-depth analysis, commentary and informed perspectives. Recommended
