# State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman Trial Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 20, 2013, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501 "2013-06-20T20:32:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/81 "2013-06-24T19:52:45Z")
That kind of DNA evidence is called “contact DNA.” It is not guaranteed that just because someone touches something they will leave DNA. I’ve seen studies saying that it happens about 50% of the time on gun grips, for example. And, in any event, you don’t leave any DNA by _reaching_ _for_ a gun. ---
**Author:** ![hmarvin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/858c86/32.png) [@hmarvin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hmarvin)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/82 "2013-06-24T20:14:30Z")
The 7-11 cashier is 5 feet 10 inches tall, the person who Trayvon dwarfed in the youtube video. Trayvon was one big kid. ---
**Author:** ![DragonAsh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/83 "2013-06-24T20:28:24Z")
> [@hmarvin](#): > > The 7-11 cashier is 5 feet 10 inches tall, the person who Trayvon dwarfed in the youtube video. Trayvon was one big kid. He was one \*tall \*kid, which is not at all the same thing. He was ridiculously skinny, for one thing; barely 160lbs. Zimmerman has completely beluga’d in the last 16 months, but on the night of the shooting he was a fairly muscular, stocky 200lbs. On a ground fight, he’d have a considerable 40lb advantage. I personally suspect the defense asked Zimmerman to pork it up specifically so they could try to evoke images of overweight guy huffing and puffing up the cut-through, but the video from the night of the shooting, plus evidence that he was a member and trained at a gym that ‘specializes in boxing and kickboxing’ will probably counter that. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/84 "2013-06-24T20:37:16Z")
In my experience, evidence that a man in his late twenties started going to a “kickboxing” gym makes him more likely to lose a street fight, not less. YMMV. Not that it matters, of course. If this jury starts getting to what inferences can be drawn about who was winning the fight based on Zimmerman having learned to kick some people, the defense is gonna win. ---
**Author:** ![hmarvin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/858c86/32.png) [@hmarvin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hmarvin)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/85 "2013-06-24T22:40:14Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > In my experience, evidence that a man in his late twenties started going to a “kickboxing” gym makes him more likely to lose a street fight, not less. YMMV. > > Not that it matters, of course. If this jury starts getting to what inferences can be drawn about who was winning the fight based on Zimmerman having learned to kick some people, the defense is gonna win. Considering how short limbed Zimmerman is, and taking medication for swollen lower joints, there wouldn’t be much chance of getting in any kicks, and where is there any evidence he kicked Trayvon? I can hardly wait to hear from the witness who saw Trayvon mount George and begin wailing on him. Apparently there really was an eyewitness to the altercation. If there is, and it supports George’s version of events, this case is toast. Two amnesiacs and a dispatcher who stated he never told Zimmerman to stay in his vehicle, or return to it, didn’t help the prosecutors at all, despite what some might say, and actually did harm to the state’s case I still can’t figure out why Chad didn’t seem the least bit concerned when Trayvon never returned from his rather leisurely trip to the 7-11, unless the story being told about the trip to the 7-11 is suspect. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/86 "2013-06-24T23:33:31Z")
I was surprised that the defense did such a detailed analysis of the timeline in the opening statement. It was interesting how they are able to determine when he gets out of the truck by the door chime. Also the defense points out that George was the Watch coordinator. Other residents called George about issues in the neighborhood. George then called police if needed. That explains why George made so many calls in that prior year. I think the defense can use that to counter the prosecution’s claim George was a wanna be cop or that he obsessively called cops. ---
**Author:** ![Honesty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f04885/32.png) [@Honesty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honesty)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/87 "2013-06-25T02:15:13Z")
> [@DragonAsh](#): > > Was very interested that the state’s opening statement touched on practically every single inconsistency in George’s testimony that I have mentioned in the other thread. Also thought it interesting that the start & end times for the NEN call was exactly as I said it was based on the NEN record. Hi Joel Upchurch! Yes, I saw that too. The Prosecution is doing a great job, he hit it on the head. The defense opening statement was meandering so much that I (admittedly) skipped most of it. It seems the Judge had to school the defense the difference between an opening statement and a closing statement. The prosecutor also has the Jon Hamm thing going on which may play well on a female jury compared to the crypt keepers on the defense. Very, very interesting trial. ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/88 "2013-06-25T02:29:18Z")
Ahh. I hear so much hope in this thread. The end of this trial is going to be second only to Obama’s election in my eagerness to open all the threads and see the reactions. ---
**Author:** ![sugaree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@sugaree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sugaree)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/89 "2013-06-25T05:17:27Z")
> [@hmarvin](#): > > From the 7-11 video, and pictures, I wouldn’t put much faith in the black (perhaps biased) undertaker’s height and weight estimates. You’ll likely find Trayvon to be described as much taller and heavier at the trial. The autopsy report listed Martin as 5’11" and 158 pounds. ---
**Author:** ![DragonAsh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/90 "2013-06-25T06:09:38Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I was surprised that the defense did such a detailed analysis of the timeline in the opening statement. It was interesting how they are able to determine when he gets out of the truck by the door chime. Not sure what’s so interesting about it - the door chime has been discussed ad nauseam in the other thread. In fact, the entire timeline has already been broken down in rather minute detail, and at least my conclusions were pretty much exactly as the prosecution noted yesterday. ---
**Author:** ![hmarvin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/858c86/32.png) [@hmarvin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hmarvin)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/91 "2013-06-25T15:24:28Z")
So much for George Zimmerman being a “wannabe cop.” Wendy Dorival just testified that the SPD, because George Zimmerman was such a good guy, wanted him to be a 'citizen on patrol", and George Zimmerman turned down the SPD. LOL. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/92 "2013-06-25T16:12:11Z")
The HOA president let George down. He didn’t seem supportive at all. One of the legal analysts said it was because the HOA just settled a lawsuit with the Martin family. They got stung pretty good. I hope the judge doesn’t let the prior 911 calls in. They are relevant at all IMHO. That was a long hearing this morning. I’m just not seeing the prosecutions case. Whether they are trying to claim George accosted Martin. Everything so far clearly shows he was taken by surprise and knocked down right after the 411 call. But the trial isjust starting. We’ll see. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/93 "2013-06-25T16:40:34Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > And a pretty stupid one, at that. > > _Knock, knock. > Who’s there? > George Zimmerman. > George Zimmerman who? > Alright, good, you’re on the jury._ > > Like many Americans, I have a problem with the way our justice system seemingly equates knowledge of a case with partiality when it comes to jury selection. But starting off your defense in a criminal trial by bringing that up seems to me to be both inappropriate and pretty lamebrained. > > (If he apologizes to anyone, though, it should be George Zimmerman, for having started off his defense in such an idiotic manner.) Besides for being in poor taste, it would seem to be at high risk of insulting the jury. The implication is that these people were chosen based solely on the fact that they were the only people ignorant enough for the job. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/94 "2013-06-25T18:49:18Z")
Mind numbing evidence collection this afternoon. I know they have to show the chain of evidence. Dozens of photos with tiny plastic markers. Dozens of plastic bags with the crime tech confirming its her handwriting. She even had to describe the evidence. As if a watch in a clear bag needed a description. what a PITA for the jury to sit through. But its part of the housekeeping in a trial. We may get the mystery witness later today. The girl on the phone with Trayvon. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/95 "2013-06-25T19:45:53Z")
Defense is pointing out the various lumps on Zimmerman’s head and getting the crime scene tech to confirm she saw them. Good thing Z had a crew cut. Makes the lumps/injuries very obvious. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/96 "2013-06-25T19:51:21Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Defense is pointing out the various lumps on Zimmerman’s head and getting the crime scene tech to confirm she saw them. > > Good thing Z had a crew cut. Makes the lumps/injuries very obvious. Yeah, he’s just pointing out that people’s skulls are lumpy and she’s confirming it. I have no idea what specific injuries he’s supposed to be pointing out, and why a crime scene tech is a better judge of his physical condition than, say, a doctor. But whatever. ---
**Author:** ![hmarvin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/858c86/32.png) [@hmarvin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hmarvin)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/97 "2013-06-25T20:01:08Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > The HOA president let George down. He didn’t seem supportive at all. One of the legal analysts said it was because the HOA just settled a lawsuit with the Martin family. They got stung pretty good. > > I hope the judge doesn’t let the prior 911 calls in. They are relevant at all IMHO. That was a long hearing this morning. > > I’m just not seeing the prosecutions case. Whether they are trying to claim George accosted Martin. Everything so far clearly shows he was taken by surprise and knocked down right after the 411 call. But the trial isjust starting. We’ll see. These are the prosecution witnesses? You’d think they were for the defense. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/98 "2013-06-25T20:20:09Z")
Bahadoor was in the townhouse at the crime scene. Not much to testify too. She was cooking, heard noise and looked out. She saw a couple figures outside. Heard the shot. Not much useful testimony. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/99 "2013-06-25T20:23:25Z")
Defense is giving her the third degree about this “left to right” business. ---
**Author:** ![hmarvin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/858c86/32.png) [@hmarvin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hmarvin)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2013, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/100 "2013-06-25T20:28:29Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Bahadoor was in the townhouse at the crime scene. Not much to testify too. She was cooking, heard noise and looked out. She saw a couple figures outside. Heard the shot. Not much useful testimony. The person who collected the crime scene evidence couldn’t find any of Trayvon’s blood, despite the fact he was laying face down. She couldn’t find Zimmerman’s DNA on the slide and trigger of his gun. You know he had to have pulled the trigger. If you can’t find Zimmerman’s DNA and fingerprints on his own gun, how do they expect to prove Martin didn’t reach for it? If they can’t find Martin’s blood on the grass, or anywhere else at the scene, how can they prove that Zimmerman didn’t have his head pounded on the concrete, which is what they’re implying? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501.md?page=6)