Defense attorneys for George Zimmerman have uncovered evidence that paints a less-than-rosy image of Trayvon Martin, and they intend to use it.
On Thursday, Zimmerman's defense team notified prosecutors that they intend to show the jury Martin's cell phone records, which depict the slain teen as "a wannabe gangster who couldn't stay out of trouble," the Orlando Sentinel reports. The damaging items include:
- Text messages about fighting, smoking marijuana and being kicked out of his mother's house.
- Photos of a handgun and what appear to be marijuana plants.
Prosecutors argue that such items are irrelevant and should be barred from court. It's up to Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson to decide.
This video from the Sentinel gives details:
Zimmerman is accused of second-degree murder in the 2012 death of Martin. Zimmerman contends that he shot the unarmed 17-year-old in self-defense during a scuffle in a gated community outside of Orlando.
Zimmerman's trial is set to begin June 10.
