SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — George Zimmerman’s defense has given its final arguments in the trial over the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin.
Defense attorney Mark O’Mara said Friday the prosecution’s case was full of gaps and built upon a serious “could’ve beens” and “maybes.” He told jurors the burden was on prosecutors, and he said they hadn’t proven Zimmerman’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A jury of six women could begin deliberations as early as Friday afternoon, and they’ll have to decide whether the neighborhood watch volunteer was a wannabe cop or someone who shot the unarmed black teenager in self-defense.
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder, but jurors can also choose manslaughter. A conviction on either charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Prosecutors will next give their rebuttal.