Zimmerman Defense Releases Trayvon Martin Photos, Texts
ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) — Defense attorneys for the Florida man accused of shooting and killing unarmed Miami teen Trayvon Martin have released photos and text messages from the teen's cell phone ahead of a hearing that will determine whether they can be used at George Zimmerman's trial.
The photos released Thursday show Trayvon Martin blowing smoke and extending his middle finger to the camera. The photos also show a gun and what appears to be a potted marijuana plant.
It's not clear whether the person holding the gun in the picture is Trayvon.
In the text messages, Martin tells a friend that his mother has told him he needs to move out of her house and move in with his father since he was caught skipping school.
Martin also said a teacher accused him of hitting someone during a fight in school.
There are dozens of text messages the defense said it could present as evidence in the trial.
- Cell Phone Report 1
- Cell Phone Report 2
- Cell Phone Report 3
- Cell Phone Report 4
- Cell Phone Report 5
- Cell Phone Report 6
- Cell Phone Report 7
- Cell Phone Report 8
Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, could use in Zimmerman's defense several videos that were extracted from Martin's cell phone, as well as several videos from the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department and Martin's school records.
Circuit Judge Debra Nelson allowed the defense to investigate Martin's personal life and phone records, ruling the information could be relevant if it showed the teenager had a propensity for violence.
There will be a hearing next week so the judge can determine which evidence will be used at the trial.
Other evidence includes multiple emails and a video that was posted to Martin's YouTube channel.
Prosecutors, meantime, have asked a judge to not allow Martin's drug use or other personal matters from being used at trial. O'Mara wants the judge to deny the prosecutor's request. He filed a motion Monday claiming that Martin likely was under the influence of marijuana at the time of his death in February 2012.
Zimmerman is charged with fatally shooting Martin last year during a confrontation at a gated community in Sanford where Trayvon was staying with his father.
Zimmerman is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder, claiming self-defense.
His trial starts next month.
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