SANFORD, Fla. – A Florida judge will consider whether to accept a voice expert’s testimony at the last hearing before the start of George Zimmerman’s trial for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin.
Thursday’s court hearing in Sanford, Fla., will tie up several loose ends before the start of the former neighbourhood watch leader’s second-degree murder trial next week.
Prosecutors have hired voice recognition experts who have given mixed opinions on whether screams for help on 911 calls were those of Zimmerman or Martin.
Defence attorneys also have asked Circuit Judge Debra Nelson to sanction prosecutors for what they describe as delays in turning over evidence.
Zimmerman is pleading not guilty, claiming self-defence. A delay in Zimmerman’s arrest led to protests nationwide. Martin was black. Zimmerman’s father is white, and his mother is Hispanic.
The trial is expected to last more than a month.
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