Prosecutors Want Zimmerman to Say Publicly If He Will Pursue Immunity

Zimmerman must waive his right to immunity under the "Stand Your Ground" law in a Tuesday hearing.

Posted: 04/29/2013 09:30 AM EDT
George Zimmerman

Prosecutors in the case of the killing of Trayvon Martin want George Zimmerman to publicly state in a hearing Tuesday whether he will use the immunity defense under the "Stand Your Ground" law or waive his right to it.

As the June 10 trial date approaches, prosecutors want to have Zimmerman on record stating his decision, Reuters reports. If he waves the right, he may not attempt to use his immunity defense under the law if he is found guilty.

However, his lawyer Mark O’Mara states that it will be difficult for him to pursue it after a conviction.

In March, O'Mara said in a hearing that George Zimmerman would not seek immunity under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law. He will instead allow a jury to decide his fate at his second-degree murder trial for killing unarmed teen Trayvon Martin.

Zimmerman, a former neighborhood watch volunteer, has pleaded not guilty, insisting that he shot the teenager in self-defense. He has invoked the state's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law, which allows people to use deadly force in instances where they feel threatened.

The defense in the case also requested that a recent settlement between Trayvon's parents and the homeowners association of the Florida subdivision where their son was shot and killed be reopened. They say the jury should decide the financial interest of the witnesses in the case as well.

The homeowners association is believed to have paid more than $1 million to Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin to set aside their wrongful-death claim and claims for pain and suffering, loss of earnings and expenses.


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(Photo: Joe Burbank-Pool/Getty Images)

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