Although the prosecution did a pretty good job of demolishing its own case against George Zimmerman when they put on their case, the defense is scroring even more points as it systematically tears down what is left of the state's case.
Today, Vincent DiMaio, a forensic gunshot expert, testified that in his opinion from examining the reports, it appeared that the fatal shot was fired from a distance of 2-4 inces and that it was his opinion that Trayvon Martin's clothing was hanging apart from his skin indicating that he was on top in the struggle as opposed to being on the bottom. That testimony would be consistent with Zimmerman's account.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/09/11-calls-becoming-heart-zimmerman-trial/
In addition, another neighbor who responded to the incident immediately afterward testified that Zimmerman's nose was disfigured. She also expressed the opinion that the screaming voice was that of Zimmerman.
As to DiMaio, it is true, as pointed out by the Fox analysts that both sides bring in their own witnesses who may contradict each other's opinions. Yet, it was also pointed out that the state's forensic witnesses failed dismally in their own conclusions and failed to make the case from the nature of the wound and gunshot residue that Zimmerman might have been on top when the shot was fired.
One thing that should not be overlooked here is the bizarre situation in which the state is now having to deal with the statements of the two Sanford cops as to the statement by Martin's father that it was not his son on the tape. In effect, they have to impeach the statements of two cops that they had originally called in their case in chief. I begin to see why Mark O'Mara called Mr Martin to the stand. Had he not, I doubt the state would have called him in rebuttal since he appears to have his own issues even beyond not being able to identify (initially) his son's voice. O'Mara also was able to ask Martin if he had instructed his own attorney to call the cops "liars". (He denied it.) It allowed the defense to show the split between the prosecution and the two police witnesses (Singleton and Serino). It's a mess (for the prosecution).
I've been watching the trial live on TV. The State's prosecution team has been torn apart, not because they are incompetent in any way, but because they just don't have the facts in their favor. O'Meara had done a great job organizing and presenting the defense case.
ReplyDeleteThe Judge should have dismissed the case.
Now it will go to a jury. Each juror will bring her own biases to the case and the decision could go any way. More and more cases depend on the attorney's skill in jury selection.
Cognitive dissonance, not proof or logic, rules.
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