The following is a LIVE, ongoing rundown of the day's testimony in the George Zimmerman trial for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
The most recent updates from the courtroom Tuesday are on top.
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4:46 p.m.
Court is in recess until 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
4:38 p.m.
Judge Nelson asks if the attorneys would like to continue discussing at the bench. The resume a sidebar.
4:36 p.m.
The jury is dismissed for the day.
Witness: Kristen Benson - Print analyst
4:30 p.m.
Guy asks her about latent prints and what a “valued latent print” is.
She says there is not guarantee a touch to a surface may leave a valued latent print.
She says excessive handling of an object can wipe away prints and environmental conditions such as rain and heavy humidity can destroy prints.
She says she receives a latent print card to examine.
She explains what a known ink print is. She says she uses’ it to do a side-by-side comparison of a latent print.
She examined latent print cards for the case.
She says she did not find prints of value.
Guy finishes questioning.
O’Mara cross-examines.
He asks if she knows where the print came from. She says the card indicates where it came from, the slide of a firearm.
O'Mara asks her about environmental effects damaging latent prints and rain.
She says water can wash away the oils of the fingerprint.
O'Mara finishes questioning.
Benson is excused.
The attorneys are asked to approach.
4:22 p.m.
Kristen Benson is called to the stand. She is a latent prints analyst.
4:19 p.m.
Judge Nelson says the exhibits have been known to each side and it was the first she’s heard of.
She asks for the next witness, but checks to see if there is anything else to take up.
3:44 p.m.
O’Mara says he doesn’t think it’s appropriate to have the jury focused on Zimmerman’s school records.
Judge Nelson says that is their case and they should be allowed to present it.
O’Mara says there is no direct evidence to connect the classes with the event.
Judge Nelson says that will be before the jury and if the theory of the state’s case is that Zimmerman had the information or at least understood the process; she thinks they’re entitled to bring it forward.
O’Mara says if the state can’t connect the dots, they can’t allow the jury to just guess.
Mantei says the original objection is different than the current one.
He says the relevance is that if taken together it shows the Zimmerman had the knowledge.
Mantei says it’s odd to argue that they are good things, but then say they are prejudicial.
Judge Nelson says she will give them a 30 minute recess to find case law.
Mantei asks the date of the police application and date of the ride-along.
Court is in recess.
3:40 p.m.
One class was called Criminal Litigation. A diploma certificate application is included. Mantei says it shows his proposed graduation date.
Another class was called Criminal Investigation. Mantei says that is Professor Pleasant’s class and he has an update about his situation also.
She says not all of the records would be relevant because they show other courses. She says they need to be redacted.
Mantei submits a course book. He says Professor Carter will testify with the exhibits.
O’Mara says the state shouldn’t be able to present evidence for solely the purposes of impeachment.
Wouldn’t that be the same as declaring a witness as a hostile witness, Judge Nelson asks.
He says the state should not be able to create their own impeachable evidence.
3:33 p.m.
Record number on is his school transcript. Record number two is Zimmerman’s work in a criminal law and procedure class. Record number three is an application to be a police officer in Prince William County in Virginia. The fourth is an application for a ride-along with the Sanford Police Department.
Mantei argues it shows frame of mind and his interest in law enforcement and is relevant to show he had the background to be able to discuss with police and understand what they do.
Mantei says Zimmerman’s knowledge of the law is relevant, mentioning his statement to Sean Hannity that he never heard of the Stand Your Ground law, but it contradicts his school studies.
O’Mara says they are trying to use a transcript that Zimmerman seeking a legal studies degree is irrelevant. He mentions the pains to not use Martin’s school records because they are protected.
O’Mara says they should show the record is relevant to an issue in the case, calling it a “fishing expedition.”
Judge Nelson says she doesn’t understand his use of the term “fishing expedition.”
O’Mara says their theory hasn’t been proven by hard facts evidence.
Judge Nelson says Zimmerman said in the interview played with the Hannity Show, he mentioned not knowing the Stand Your Ground Law. The records are to show he had knowledge with course review.
O’Mara says he calls it a “fishing expedition,” because he asks where it ends, suggesting a 6th grade civics course could be used.
Judge Nelson says they are being specific and she hasn’t seen the proposed exhibits.
3:24 p.m.
Judge Nelson hears arguments on the submission of Zimmerman's school work.
3:10 p.m.
Court is in recess for 15 minutes.
Witness: Dr. Valerie Rao - Medical examiner
3:07 p.m.
Guy asks her about her appointment and if she slanted her testimony because she was appointed by the governor.
She says, “Absolutely not.”
Guy asks if the defendant ever described his head being hit on the edge of concrete.
She says no.
Dr. Rao is excused.
Richard Mantei asks to approach Judge Nelson.
3:06 p.m.
“It’s so impossible to get a bruise and swelling and say that was separate,” Dr. Rao says.
O’Mara asks her about swelling below the lacerations.
“The head would have to be really contorted to give you all those injuries from different impacts,” Dr. Rao says in response to O’Mara asking about the head and different injuries.
O’Mara suggests the injuries could have come from the edge of the concrete.
“It’s possible,” she says.
O’Mara asks about Guy’s focus on life-threatening injuries and if the state attorney’s office prepped her about it as an element of the case.
She says no.
O’Mara asks her if she understands the extent of injuries on Zimmerman have nothing to do with the case.
Guy objects. O’Mara is asked to rephrase.
O’Mara asks if she was prepared to testify there were life-threatening injuries. She says no.
O’Mara asks about the “next injury,” calling it the one he didn’t have to survive.
O’Mara finishes questioning.
Guy re-directs.
2:58 p.m.
O’Mara asks her which bruise she is connecting with the swelling. She points to one and says use of the photo is extremely unscientific.
“I find it difficult when half the photograph is cut,” Dr. Rao says.
O’Mara asks if she has a better photo, but she says she has the same ones.
He asks her to compare her copies with one of his.
She doesn’t seem to find it.
O’Mara asks her for a maximum number of hits.
She says three, but O’Mara points out that was the minimum.
O’Mara asks her for a maximum and then point out the different bruises possibly caused by a strike.
She says she doesn’t know, but says O’Mara can give her a scenario and she can say consistent or not.
2:49 p.m.
O’Mara asks to examine Dr. Rao from beside her at the witness stand.
O’Mara hands her a photo of the top of Zimmerman’s head and asks if there is bruising about his left ear.
She says she just sees the punctate abrasions and moles on his head.
She doesn’t think there is swelling, but is just the shape of the head. She calls the camera angle “funny.”
O’Mara shows her the photo of the back of Zimmerman’s head.
She says if it is swelling, the bruise should be marked so she wouldn’t question it.
O’Mara shows her another picture from the other side. She says she sees a bruise on the right side. Impact from concrete could cause it.
She points out another small, pink bruise.
It could be from impact and a different one that the other bruise.
She says she also looks at the contour of the head.
O’Mara asks why there is one long injury.
She says the force used may not be the same in another part of the head.
O'Mara shows her another picture of Zimmerman's head, looking down at the top left of his head.
She says the same bruise is visible.
O'Mara asks her if she is acknowledging swelling on the right side. She says correct, but there is a bruise. She says there is no bruise on the left side.
2:42 p.m.
Rao says she would need to look at her own photographs.
O’Mara gives her the opportunity to look at them.
She says she printed them from the computer. She says very fine little abrasions can be seen.
O’Mara says he would like to go over them more formally and asks for a moment from the court.
2:40 p.m.
She says each of the punctate marks could be caused by a fingernail scratch.
O’Mara asks her about the protrusion to Zimmerman’s nose. He shows the picture of Zimmerman in the back of the police car.
She says she does see swelling. She says it is a trauma injury.
She says swelling depends on the severity.
O’Mara asks where blood would go.
She says it would be coughed out, but O’Mara asks if it would be swallowed.
She says it would be coughed, but could be swallowed.
O’Mara shows the picture of the back of Zimmerman’s head.
She says she sees two lacerations. She mentions the measurements taken after they were cleaned.
O’Mara asks her about it being consistent with one contact with concrete. She confirms.
O’Mara identifies the point where the head could impact, calling it the crown.
“We know that are two injuries from the impact, that’s a given,” Dr. Rao says.
O’Mara asks if the point of one laceration only hit the cement, that injury could happen. He points out the same thing for the other laceration.
O’Mara asks a question about the side of the head being hit on concrete.
Guy objects as to facts of evidence.
O’Mara points to a point on the left of Zimmerman’s head. Dr. Rao says that is the shape of Zimmerman’s head.
She says there is no discoloration.
O’Mara shows a picture of the side of Zimmerman’s head.
She says she doesn’t see bruising, but there are small punctate wounds.
2:30 p.m.
O’Mara asks if Angela Corey appointed Rao to the case.
Rao says she sent a letter to the governor.
O’Mara asks about her position in another district. Rao says she did not seek re-appointment. O’Mara asks if that was because of issues in the department.
She says most of the time she is called by the state, but she can be called for work by the defense.
“Homicides are a very small percentage of our cases,” Rao says.
O’Mara asks if she works with the prosecutors. She says yes.
She says she was sent the autopsy report for Martin. O’Mara asks if she is there to talk about Martin, or just about Zimmerman. She says Zimmerman.
O’Mara asks about the example of being hit in the nose.
“You’re not suggesting that it was only one blow, correct?” O’Mara asks
She says no, but consistent with one blow.
O’Mara asks her to say it could be consistent with two blows.
“It could be yes,” she says.
“I’m just telling you what the injuries are and what it’s consistent with,” She adds.
O’Mara asks her about the cut on Martin’s hand. She says it was an abrasion consistent with his skin being rubbed.
She says Martin didn’t have any other injuries.
He asks if she knows for a fact if Martin came in contact with cement. She says he could have contact but it might not leave injuries.
2:23 p.m.
Guy asks her if the injuries on the back of his head are consistent to having his head repeatedly slammed. She says not because the injuries are so minor.
If it was repeated, she says she would expect laceration, a lot of injury that would need suturing.
Guy shows the picture showing the front of Zimmerman’s face taken at the police station.
She points out the abrasion on Zimmerman’s nose.
She says the injuries in that photo are not life-threatening.
She points out abrasions seen on his face. She says they are characterized as very small and could have come from a single punch.
She demonstrates how a punch would injure her nose and create injuries on her forehead.
She says she saw contusions on both sides of Zimmerman’s head. She points them out in the photo.
“There are very, very fine punctate abrasions that you need a close up photograph to see them,” she says.
She says they could have come from one impact against concrete.
Guy shows a picture of the other side of Zimmerman’s head.
She describes “small punctate abrasions” as very insignificant and they could have come from a single impact.
Guy asks her about the video of Zimmerman seen walking in the police station.
She says he was walking in his own power.
Guy finishes questioning.
O’Mara begins cross-examination.
2:15 p.m.
She describes what abrasions and lacerations are.
Prosecutor John Guy asks if she has ever been qualified as an expert in rape cases. She say yes, 100s of times.
Guy submits her as an expert for the case.
Dr. Rao details the reports she received, including two photos taken of the scene the night of the shooting.
She the injuries to Zimmerman’s head classified as not-life threatening and insignificant.
She says she observed two lacerations on Zimmerman’s head.
The reports from the Altamonte Family clinic were given to her, she says.
Dr. Rao confirms the photographs she was provided.
She points out the lacerations seen in the photos showing the back of Zimmerman’s head.
She says they were so minor, the person that examined Zimmerman said sutures were not required.
Guy asks about a contusion to the back of Zimmerman’s head. She points to it in the photo.
She says she looked at the entire case file and his walking from the police car to the police department; he was alert and walking in pace with the officers.
She says the injuries are consistent with contact with a concrete surface. “It’s consistent with his head having come into contact with a concrete surface,” she says.
Dr. Rao says her opinion is based on the dictionary definition of slammed.
O’Mara objects.
Judge Nelson asks the attorneys to approach.
2:05 p.m.
She describes her previous education and work for the court.
She tells the court her duties as a medical examiner.
She says she has experience examining living people as she worked in Miami. She saw injuries from patients physically assaulted with blunt force, stabbed, and strangled.
She describes what a blunt force injury is.
2:01 p.m.
Dr. Valerie Rao, the District Four Chief Medical Examiner, takes the stand.
1:59 p.m.
The Hannity interview ends.
1:51 p.m.
Hannity asks about the fight, screams heard in the 911 call, the gun and the eye-witness. Hannity sits across from Zimmerman and O'Mara in the interview.
1:36 p.m.
De la Rionda plays an interview with George Zimmerman and Sean Hannity on Fox News.
1:33 p.m.
De la Rionda says the next witness will be shown the Hannity interview and asks for instructions to be read to the jury.
1:32 p.m.
The jury is reseated in the courtroom.
Witness: Mark Osterman
12:22 p.m.
De la Rionda asks about the recount of who grabbed the gun. Osterman says he thought he heard that Martin actually grabbed the gun.
De la Rionda finishes questioning.
O’Mara re-cross examines, asking about the re-holstering of the gun.
“He may have had it still in his hand as he jumped on top of Trayvon,” Osterman says, adding he doesn’t know specifically when he re-holstered the firearm.
De la Rionda asks about the re-holstering and asks Osterman to look at his book.
De la Rionda reads a line from the book of Zimmerman thinking Martin might get up and re-holstering his gun.
Judge Nelson dismisses Osterman, but he is subject to recall.
She dismisses the jury for lunch until 1:30 p.m.
12:18 p.m.
Osterman says Zimmerman said Martin reached down to grab the gun. HE says he didn’t see a difference between grabbing the holster or gun because the intent was the same.
“I thought he had said he had grabbed the gun,” Osterman says.
Osterman says it is very common for someone to say something even if they’ve been shot.
Osterman says Zimmerman got on top of Martin to put his hands out. O’Mara asks if Zimmerman might’ve put Martins hands back under him.
De la Rionda objects.
Osterman says the next recount was the next day to his wife and Zimmerman’s wife.
He says Zimmerman looked different, not as “wide-eyed” and not in shock.
O’Mara asks him how long he waited to write a book. He says at least four months.
Osterman says he was not able to contact Zimmerman after he was arrested. He says there was no cooperation with Zimmerman for writing the book.
Osterman says he wrote the book based just on memory.
O’Mara asks if there were facts in the book proven wrong by evidence, if Osterman would defer to them.
He says yes, adding he may have heard or documented wrong.
O'Mara tries to ask about the 911 call with screams. De la Rionda objects to beyond the scope. O'Mara finishes questioning.
De la Rionda re-directs.
12:11 p.m.
O’Mara asks if Zimmerman seemed angry in the first contact described where he says Zimmerman and Martin saw each other.
Osterman says no.
He says he was driving as Zimmerman recounted what happened.
“They made eye contact several more times,” Osterman says, adding they were very aware of each other’s presence.
Osterman says Zimmerman told him what he was doing, but not what the dispatcher was telling him.
He says the conversation during the car ride was about 14 to 15 minutes. He says Shellie didn’t inject at all.
“That was his intent was to keep him under observation,” Osterman says.
Osterman says Zimmerman told him he walked down the path and the street beyond was better lit.
He says Zimmerman told him he went straight through the area to get a house number.
Osterman says he heard Zimmerman tell the incident again the next morning.
O’Mara asks Osterman to tell the jury what Zimmerman remembered of the event.
He says the position of Martin’s knees changed as Zimmerman squirmed, but began near the ribs area.
O’Mara asks if Zimmerman was consistent about Martin getting on top of him, he screamed for help and Martin using his hand over his mouth.
Osterman says yes.
He says the focus was clearing Martin’s hand as he was losing oxygen.
He says in his experience people in traumatic events might focus on one part of it to the exclusion of others.
12:00 p.m.
Osterman says he drove Shellie to the police department and waited in the lobby until he was released.
He says Zimmerman seemed stunned and he immediately tried to reassure Shellie, who started sobbing.
Osterman describes Zimmerman as wide-eyed. He says he used his previous knowledge of Zimmerman to base his observation.
He says he thinks she went into “nurse-mode” because she was a nursing student.
Osterman says Zimmerman was in a place where he was not able to process because he was asking him questions and he was very basic and detached.
Osterman says they went to his car from the police station and both Shellie and George got into the back seat where she tried to access his injuries.
He says there was swelling on the left side of his head.
Osterman says Zimmerman explained from start to finish during the drive to his home.
Osterman says he likes to analyze everything, saying his wife would say it’s hard for him to get out of “law enforcement mode.”
11:53 a.m.
Osterman says he helped Zimmerman when he decided he needed a gun.
Osterman says he asked if he should or shouldn’t have a gun. Osterman says anyone who is not a convicted felon should carry a gun.
He encouraged Zimmerman to get a gun and training, he says.
De la Rionda objects that it is beyond the scope.
Osterman says he has known Zimmerman for five years and he is a best friend, but it won’t affect him speaking the truth.
Osterman described Zimmerman’s wife, Shellie, as near-hysterical.
He says the neighbor that called her must’ve had to hang up and she had little to no information about Zimmerman’s health.
“She told me George was involved in a shooting, in handcuffs and bloody,” Osterman says.
11:49 a.m.
Osterman says Zimmerman said he thought the gunshot went wide.
De la Rionda finishes questioning.
O’Mara rises for cross-examination.
Osterman says he has been in law enforcement since 1992.
11:48 a.m.
Osterman says Zimmerman told him Martin put his hands over his nose and mouth.
He says Zimmerman told him Martin looked down and saw the holster and Zimmerman was trying to remove Martin’s hand from his mouth.
De la Rionda reads directly from Osterman’s book about Zimmerman describing Martin feeling his gun.
Osterman says Zimmerman told him Martin said “you’re going to die tonight, M.F.” He uses the initials saying he doesn’t like to curse in front of ladies.
Osterman confirms Zimmerman said after shooting Martin, he was afraid he might get up again, so he got on top of him to hold him.
He says Zimmerman said he had to get somewhere where he could observe until a police officer arrived.
11:39 a.m.
Osterman says there were two reasons for Zimmerman to get out of his car; the first was to get an address and give visual contact available for an arriving officer.
He says Zimmerman told him Martin confronted him, cursed at him and asked him if he had a problem.
De la Rionda asks about Osterman writing a book and if he used the expletive.
Osterman says the publisher asked that the expletive be taken out because it was graphic.
De la Rionda repeats the expletive.
Osterman says Zimmerman lost visual contact as he looked for his phone and was punched in the nose.
That’s when he stumbled back and found himself on his back, Osterman says, and Martin got on top of him with his knees near Zimmerman’s armpits.
Osterman says when Zimmerman started screaming, Martin bashed his head on the concrete.
He says Zimmerman squirmed and his jacket rose up, and he screamed at people he saw witnessing what was happening.
11:31 a.m.
De la Rionda asks if Osterman met with Zimmerman’s wife. He says yes.
Osterman says he drove Zimmerman and his wife somewhere and Zimmerman made statements to him.
Osterman says Zimmerman left him home as he did every Sunday to get lunches for the week, and on his way there he observed someone in a black hoodie and was someone he had not seen before and said the person was looking in windows.
He says Zimmerman described him as tall, about 6-foot, and slender.
He says Zimmerman knew the individual was a black male.
He says Zimmerman said someone walking through the neighborhood while it’s raining is suspicious.
De la Rionda asks Osterman to focus on what Zimmerman said.
“I was never told by George that Trayvon was using his phone,” Osterman says clearing up confusion about who was on the phone.
Osterman says Martin walked to the sidewalk area and Zimmerman pulled into the front of the clubhouse to wait for police to arrive.
De la Rionda asks if Zimmerman said Martin walked around his car.
“I think they looked at each other, George said,” says Osterman.
Osterman says George described two phases of contact; one when he first saw him and the other when he followed him with his car and lost visual sight of him.
11:23 a.m.
The state calls Mark Osterman to the stand. He works for the U.S. air marshal agency. He says he has known Zimmerman for at aleast five years. He calls him the best friend he's ever had.
Witness: Chris Serino - Investigator
11:04 a.m.
O’Mara asks if blood would be expected after Paramedics had cleaned him up.
Serino says no.
O’Mara asks if where blood would go from a nose bleed for someone lying on the ground.
O’Mara asks if the attempt to suffocate could be momentary. Serino says yes.
O’Mara finishes.
De la Rionda is also limited. He says he is going to only ask a few.
De la Rionda asks if it could be raining, but if it would be speculation.
Serino says yes.
De la Rionda finishes questioning.
Serino is excused but subject to recall.
Court is in recess for 15 minues.
11:01 a.m.
De la Rionda asks if there was blood evidence on the victim’s hands. Serino says no.
De la Rionda demonstrates hitting toward Serino and asks if there was blood on Zimmerman’s hands.
Serino says no.
De la Rionda asks him about a law for individuals going into 7-Eleven with a hoodie. Serino says that aren’t any.
De la Rionda asks if Serino had phone records from Martin and Jeantel.
Serino says no.
O'Mara rises to re-cross as Judge Nelson says she will give five minutes for it.
10:57 a.m.
O’Mara asks if the medical examiner’s report was consistent with Zimmerman’s story. Serino says yes. O’Mara points out the gap between the shirt and
Martin’s chest and asks if that supports that Martin was leaning over Zimmerman when the shot was fired.
“It did,” Serino says.
O’Mara asks if the report supports the contention that Zimmerman pressed the gun against Martin’s chest. Serino says no.
O’Mara asks if Serino has seen the 7-Eleven video. Serino says he has seen still photos.
O’Mara asks if the 7-Eleven still did not show the described “skinny” kid. Serino says no.
O’Mara asks if there was a height differential. Serino says yes.
O’Mara asks about reach differential. Serino says yes, defining it as the measure of the arms.
O’Mara finishes questioning.
De la Rionda re-directs.
He asks if people get taller after they die. Serino says no.
De la Rionda asks if Serino is contesting that Martin was 5 feet and 11 inches tall, according to the medical examiner. Serinio says no.
De la Rionda asks if Serino is saying it is against the law to wear a hoodie at night. Serino says no.
De la Rionda asks if Zimmerman ever took out his own phone and videotaped what was happening.
De la Rionda mentions the awning and slim jim. He asks if there is evidence it was ever used as a slim jim. Serino says no.
Serino says he would defer to a medical examiner’s findings.
Serino says he recalls his research of Zimmerman’s calls mentioning black males.
De la Rionda asks him about the expletives said and Zimmerman saying it under his breath.
De la Rionda asks if Serino reads comics and knows of the bubble caption and Zimmerman following Martin.
10:47 a.m.
O’Mara asks about the screams heard in the 911 call. Serino says he interpreted it as one voice.
O’Mara asks if someone could have had their hand on his nose and mouth, but just not enough to prevent screaming. Serino says yes.
There could’ve been screams muffled not heard on the recording, Serino says.
O’Mara asks about the video walk-through and the numbers seen on Lauer’s home.
O’Mara mentions a tree that might’ve blocked Zimmerman’s view.
O’Mara asks if anyone ever asked Zimmerman why he didn’t look at the numbers on Lauer’s house.
Serino says no.
O’Mara asks if that seemed like active deception.
Serino says the fact that he couldn’t remember three streets was concerning.
10:39 a.m.
O’Mara asks about De la Rionda’s question about Martin being armed. He asks Serino if he considers, assuming Zimmerman’s statement is accurate,
Martin armed himself with concrete.
Serino says yes.
O’Mara asks about Zimmerman saying there were people victimizing the neighborhood, asking Serino if he thought there was a basis for that.
Serino says he doesn’t know about the number of burglaries and would have to refresh his memories to check if it was a “rash of burglaries or crime spree.”
O’Mara asks about the burglaries being when someone is not at home. O’Mara asks if Serino is aware of the woman who had to hide while men robbed her home. Serino says yes.
O’Mara asks about Serino’s bluff of the victim having video of what happened and if Zimmerman seemed “smug.”
He asks if Zimmerman added that he hoped the homeowner’s association had added a camera to the back area of the clubhouse. Serino says yes.
“He seemed to be very open to having something video,” Serino says.
10:33 a.m.
Serino says Zimmerman’s end location is evidence Zimmerman didn’t stop following Martin after the 911 operator said not to.
O’Mara asks Serino to point out his interpretation of the confrontation on a diagram of the scene.
O’Mara asks if Serino knows where Zimmerman was when the operator said following wasn’t needed.
Serino says he understands based on Zimmerman’s statement he was at his vehicle.
O’Mara asks if Serino knew he was following Zimmerman by his response to the 911 operator.
De la Rionda objects to O’Mara saying walking.
O’Mara has him point out again where on the diagram.
O’Mara asks if there is anything to contradict Zimmerman’s statement that he walked back to his car.
Serino says, “Nothing tangible.”
O’Mara has him explain. Serino says Zimmerman was trying to do something in the same direction Martin was, adding that it is open to interpretation.
O’Mara asks about a conversation with Wendy Dorival and neighborhood watch instructions to call 911.
Serino says he doesn’t remember a conversation with Dorival, but that would be the instruction.
O’Mara points out which line Zimmerman called and asks Serino if he thinks it was appropriate.
De la Rionda objects.
O’Mara rephrases asking Serino for his opinion.
“That would be reasonable to call non-emergency,” Serino says.
10:24 a.m.
De la Rionda asks if after the interview at a later day in March if the investigation was turned over to another agency. Serino says yes.
Serino says he intended to contact Zimmerman again and challenge him.
O’Mara begins re-cross examination.
O’Mara asks about the expletive and it being sometimes used as a slang term.
“If I may, not toward the individual, it seemed like a generalization,” Serino says.
O’Mara mentions the arrest of Emmanuel Burgess for burglarizing homes in Retreat View Circle and other homes.
O’Mara asks if Serino was present for John Guy’s opening. Serino says no.
O’Mara asks if Serino knows why De la Rionda yelled the expletive at him. He answers it might be to stress a point.
Serino says Zimmerman said it “matter of fact.”
Serino mentions a “slim Jim” being found in bushes behind Manalo’s residence a few days after the event. O’Mara asks if it was related. Serino says no.
O’Mara asks if there is anything illegal with following someone. “Legally speaking, no,” Serino answers.
O’Mara says the non-emergency operator says twice to tell him if Zimmerman sees anything else.
Serino says approaching someone is open to interpretation.
10:12 a.m.
De la Rionda points out there were three streets in the whole complex. He shows an aerial photo of the complex, showing the street was the main one from the entrance of the complex.
De la Rionda asks if he remembers Zimmerman saying the comments from Martin after he shot him and that he put out Martin’s arms after he fell.
De la Rionda asks if he remembers the first person to go out to the shooting was witness Jonathan Manalo. De la Rionda show the photo Manalo took to Serino and the jury.
He asks if the positioning seen is inconsistent with what Zimmerman said about the hands being out.
Serino confirms.
De la Rionda asks if he felt Zimmerman was exaggerating certain parts of his interview. Serino says yes about the manner of Zimmerman being hit.
De la Rionda asks if results were back from any of the clothing, DNA, medical examiner, or firearm. Serino says no.
De la Rionda asks if Serino spoke to the woman that was on the phone with Martin.
Serino says no.
De la Rionda asks if Serino had seen the 7-Eleven video.
Serino says no.
Serino says he did mention in some reports concern for inconsistencies.
10:06 a.m.
De la Rionda plays the interview with Zimmerman where they played the non-emergency call for him, saying he is going to ask about inconsistencies.
De la Rionda asks about the following statement where Zimmerman says he was just going in the same direction.
He plays more of the interview.
He asks about Serino about his statement that he was telling Zimmerman there might be video of the whole thing from the victim.
De la Rionda asks if there was evidence the victim said he was taking photos. Serino says no.
De la Rionda plays more of the interview.
He asks if Serino was questioning him about evidence. Serino says yes.
He plays more of the interview.
He asks if he remembers challenging Zimmerman about being smothered. “Yes, sir,“ Serino answers.
De la Rionda asks about the reenactment video and Zimmerman saying he went to look for an address.
He plays the portion of the video.
De la Rionda points out the residence of the nearby residence of witness Jenna Lauer. He shows the court a photo of the house numbers seen on the front.
9:54 a.m.
De la Rionda asks if Serino remembers O’Mara’s questions about ‘ill-will and disdain, hatred.” Serino says yes.
De la Rionda plays a portion of Zimmerman’s 911 call. He asks if it is something he would use to invite someone over to dinner or a friendly comment.
Serino says no.
De la Rionda points out another portion and asks if Serino heard it and if it is something good about people.
“No, sir,” Serino says.
De la Rionda asks if the indicates ‘ill-will and spite.” Serino says it is.
He plays more of the call.
De la Rionda asks about Serino “challenging’ Zimmerman in following Martin and the operator telling Zimmerman not to do it. Serino says he heard it.
De la Rionda asks if the defendant ever said he was happy or excited his neighborhood was being burglarized. De la Rionda plays a portion of the interview with Singleton with Zimmerman describing the reason for starting a neighborhood watch program.
He plays the portion of the interview with Zimmerman stating “they always get away.”
De la Rionda asks if Zimmerman also said that to the 911 operation. Serino confirms.
De la Rionda points out the previous comment was minutes before the shooting.
De la Rionda points out Zimmerman says the people that committed burglaries.
He asks about O’Mara’s question of Zimmerman profiling and asks if those examples are profiling.
O’Mara objects.
De la Rionda tries to ask more questions about profiling, but objections from O’Mara prevent him.
He asks Serino if he thinks Martin was committing a crime that evening. Serino says no.
He asks if there was evidence Martin was armed. Serino says no.
Serino says he wouldn’t classify the interview as a challenging interview, but it could be viewed that way.
9:42 a.m.
O’Mara plays another portion of the interview consisting of the 911 call with screams in the background.
O’Mara asks about Zimmerman saying it didn’t sound like him. Serino reconfirms and says it didn’t change his investigation.
O’Mara asks about moving from the interrogation room to his desk to listen to the recording.
Serino says it was because there was no computer in the interrogation room.
O’Mara asks about Serino’s opinion that Zimmerman’s injuries appeared minor.
O’Mara asks if Zimmerman needed any injuries at all for him to look into the case. Serino says no.
O’Mara asks about the times Serino saw Zimmerman. Serino says they had conversations over the phone after the initial three interviews.
Serino says he was cooperative in following conversations.
O’Mara asks if Serino met with Tracy Martin.
Serino says they met at his office and his residence.
De la Rionda objects that it is beyond the scope.
O’Mara asks for leeway to ask the chief investigating officer. He says he will call the witness for his case.
De la Rionda rises to redirect.
9:36 a.m.
O’Mara questions Serino further about “challenge interviews” and their purpose.
O’Mara mentions Serino telling Zimmerman he sounded frustrated in his non-emergency call.
Serino says he’s not certain of what the comment might’ve been and his tone used.
He agrees it could’ve been to challenge Zimmerman to “extract truth if he’s hiding it.”
“There were some variations of account,” Serino says, adding they weren’t challengeable to Zimmerman.
O’Mara plays a portion of the recorded interview also shown Monday.
It is the portion they listen to the 911 call with the screams in the background.
O'Mara asks about Zimmerman saying 'it doesn't even sound like me.'
O'Mara asks if Serino interpreted it as Zimmerman denying it was him.
Serino says it didn't change the direction of his interrogation or cause him concern.
9:29 a.m.
The jury is reseated. Judge Nelson checks with them to make sure they didn’t discuss the case, read reports or research it.
Judge Nelson has the court reporter read back a question and answer from Monday:
“The question was, 'so if we were to take pathological liar off the table, and the possibility for the purpose of this next question, do you think he was telling the truth?' The answer: ‘yes.’”
Judge Nelson says the jury is to disregard the question and answer.
O’Mara resumes questioning Chris Serino.
9:25 a.m.
West says he needs and opportunity to speak to the witness before he takes the stand.
West says they weren’t aware of the significance of the witness’s testimony until after the start of the trial and realized it was in connection to
Zimmerman’s online course work.
West says there were no reminders during the day and when he was contacted by phone, he had already left the courthouse and Zimmerman had been escorted from the property.
West says the defendant has a right to be present in a case of perpetuated testimony.
He says they should schedule his testimony by Skype and they have no objection if he testifies out of order.
Mantei says whatever reason the defendant didn’t show up should constitute a waiver for the defendant.
Mantei proposes they play the direct testimony, introduce it and if counsel wishes to cross, they can try reaching the witness by video conference.
Judge Nelson asks Mantei to find out the witness’s availability for tomorrow and tables the argument until the afternoon.
9:20 a.m.
O’Mara says he would like the opportunity to examine the case law. He says his question was in the context of an investigating officer charged with making those decisions.
De la Rionda says the state is also entitled to a fair trial. He says the witness saying his opinion is improper.
Judge Nelson asks if he has an instruction for the jury.
De la Rionda suggests reading back the portion of the transcript and instructing the jury to disregard as to the “truth of veracity.”
Mantei says Prof. Gordon Pleasant’s deposition to perpetuate before he left town was scheduled and everyone showed up except for the defense.
Mantei says he proceeded with the direct testimony and provided the video to the defense.
He says the witness is traveling in the Mexico desert and may have occasions he can call.
Mantei says West asked that the witness be available to testify by video link.
He says the witness might be able to find a place to be available tomorrow morning.
West rises to give the defense response.
9:13 a.m.
Prosecutor Richard Mantei says he has an issue to take up with the court, while O’Mara takes a moment to read the case law.
Judge Nelson reads from another case.
O’Mara says they aren’t the facts that they have in this case. He asks for time to read the documents.
9:11 a.m.
Judge Nelson asks what the specific objection is.
De la Rionda says it is about the questions asking of Serino’s opinions about the defendant’s answers to questions.
Judge Nelson asks for the specific questions. De la Rionda checks with the court reporter.
The court reporter reads back a portion of the transcript.
Judge Nelson asks for a response from the defense.
O'Mara says he needs to read the case law.
Judge Nelson reads a portion of one of the cases that mentions that a police witness's opinion about another witness invades the province of the jury to determine the credibility of a witness.
O'Mara says it would affect his client's right to a fair trial.
9:01 a.m.
Court resumes without the jury present. Prosecutor Bernie De la Rionda addresses a motion regarding improper opinion. He provides case law to the court.
Defense attorney Mark O’Mara asks for time to address the motion that isn’t in the middle of him questioning a witness.
Judge Nelson takes a moment to read over the documents.
Before court resumes
8:12 a.m.
Court is expected to resume with more testimony from Chris Serino, the lead investigator with the Sanford Police Department in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.