George Zimmerman won’t seek immunity
A significantly heavier George Zimmerman appeared in a Sentinel County, Florida courtroom Tuesday to confirm that he would not seek an immunity hearing under the state’s “Stand Your Ground” self-defense law. Zimmerman, 29, is of course waiting to stand trial for the unarmed shooting death of Trayvon Martin. In court today Circuit Judge Debra Nelson questioned Zimmerman, asking if he had made the decision to waive his right to a pre-trial immunity hearing.
“After consultation with my counsel, yes, your honor,” Zimmerman said.
A “Stand Your Ground” hearing could absolve Zimmerman of any wrongdoing. His attorney, Mark O’Mara noted however, that while they won’t seek a pre-trial hearing, the defense could argue for immunity during the trial this summer.
Following the court appearance, O’Mara sat down with HLN correspondent Jean Casarez to discuss the proceedings. One thing that was noted was George Zimmerman’s weight gain that is reportedly due to stress and a fear for personal safety.
“He’s very stressed because people call him the most reviled man in America,” O’Mara told Casarez. “He can’t walk outside without body armor on and in a disguise. He has a legitimate concern that he’ll be shot. I don’t know how you deal with that but obviously he’s gaining an enormous amount of weight.”
Zimmerman’s trial is set for June 10. –danielle canada
