A Florida Circuit Court Judge has refused a request to delay trial from attorneys representing George Zimmerman in the murder of teen Trayvon Martin.
As originally scheduled, the trial will now commence on June 10, with the 29-year-old Zimmerman facing second-degree murder charges that could land him behind bars for up to 25-years.
The then 16-year-old Martin was shot to death in February of 2012 within steps of his father’s gated community home after Zimmerman, a self-appointed, volunteer watch patrolman in the neighborhood, observed him walking back from a convenience store and confronted him. He later told police he thought the teen looked suspicious.
On Tuesday, Judge Debra Nelson also ruled that lawyers can't mention Martin's school records, past fighting, marijuana use, ownership of gold teeth, or any photos or text messages found on the teen's phone. Nelson said she reserves the right to change the ruling during trial if lawyers open the door to such issues, according to USA Today.
The paper also reported the judge also ruled that a toxicology test showing Martin had marijuana in his system the night of his killing is not admissible as well as denied a defense motion to allow jurors to visit the crime scene. Judge Nelson also granted the following motions:
• State motions to prohibit witnesses from offering their opinions about Zimmerman's guilt, the proper punishment he should receive for his actions, and from telling the jury to disregard the law.
• A state motion to compel George Zimmerman's wife, Shellie Zimmerman, to testify at a deposition, but Nelson said Shellie can take the 5th and prosecutors will have to submit their questions in writing to the court and Nelson will decide if Shellie has to answer those specific questions.
• A motion to keep George Zimmerman from testifying about his lack of prior felony convictions.
• A defense motion to keep the identities of potential and actual jury members anonymous. Potential jurors will be referred to by numbers. Judge said other issues will be dealt with once jury selection is underway.
Zimmerman remains free on $1 million bond.
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