Judge Denies Gag Order In Zimmerman Case
SANFORD (CBSMiami/AP) — For a second time, a judge has denied the state's request for a gag order in the case George Zimmerman, the former neighborhood watch volunteer accused of fatally shooting Miami teen Trayvon Martin.
Assistant state attorney Bernie de la Rionda argued for the order because he claimed Zimmerman's defense attorney, Mark O'Mara, has been using a website, social media and news conferences to influence potential jurors.
In her ruling released Monday, Circuit Judge Debra Nelson wrote that "that has not been an overriding pattern of prejudicial commentary that will overcome reasonable efforts to select a fair and impartial jury. Accordingly, the Court does not find a gag order necessary at this time."
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the February shooting of 17-Trayvon Martin. He has pleaded not guilty and claimed the he shot Martin in self-defense.
Last April, O'Mara launched a website, as well as Twitter and Facebook accounts citing a need to diffuse fraudulent Internet entities that claimed to come from Zimmerman. O'Mara contends he doesn't discuss any specific evidence and has been compliant with all bar rules.
Zimmerman's trial date is set for next June.
