George Zimmerman’s murder trial begins

SANFORD, Fla. — George Zimmerman’s defense attorneys said in opening statements that the neighborhood watch volunteer fatally shot Trayvon Martin in self-defense. Defense attorney Don West told jurors Monday that Zimmerman was being viciously attacked when he shot the 17-year-old Miami-area teen. West outlined the defense case moments after a prosecutor said in his opening statements that Zimmerman was profiling Martin shortly before he confronted the teen last year. Zimmerman is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder, claiming self-defense. The case attracted worldwide attention following protests that erupted when Zimmerman wasn’t arrested for 44 days after the shooting.