George Zimmerman’s murder trial begins
Neighborhood watch volunteer fatally shot Trayvon Martin
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.