George Zimmerman (left) arrives with his lead counsel, Mark O’Mara, for a hearing in Seminole circuit court, in Sanford, Fla., Tuesday, February 5, 2013. Zimmerman is charged in the death of Trayvon Martin. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) newsgatePOOL
Travyon Martin
SANFORD (CBSMiami/AP) – On what would have been Trayvon Martin’s 18th birthday, a judge in the case of a former neighborhood watch leader accused of shooting the Miami teen has denied a defense request to delay the trial.
George Zimmerman’s attorneys presented a motion Tuesday asking Judge Debra Nelson to push the trial from mid-June back to November. They say the prosecutor has been slow in turning over needed evidence. The state attorney denied the accusation.
Judge Debra Nelson noted Zimmerman’s lead attorney had been on the case nearly a year and said the problems he’s having getting evidence are not insurmountable.
Martin was shot and killed nearly a year ago when he and Zimmerman got into a scuffle at a Sanford townhouse complex. Zimmerman claims he acted in self-defense and has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.
Other pending defense motions include one asking for access to Martin’s social media accounts, and another seeking records from an analysis that was done on the cell phone he was carrying the night he died.
Martin’s family members, friends and supporters sung Happy Birthday and are holding a prayer vigil outside the Sanford courthouse during the hearing.
Tuesday afternoon Sanford community leaders and local pastors will host a “Banding Together for Peace” rally at the Goldsboro Welcome Center.
This Saturday there will be a “I am Trayvon” Day of Remembrance Peace Walk in Miami. The walk begins at 10 a.m. at Ives Estate Park, located at 20901 NE 16th Ave.
Sunday, February 10th, there will be a “We Remember Trayvon” remembrance dinner at the DoubleTree Miami Airport Hotel – Convention Center evening. The $75 a plate dinner begins at 6 p.m. Featured speakers include Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
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