Moment of Truth

Zimmerman Prosecution Makes Closing Arguments

Defendant charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter.

An expressionless George Zimmerman watched on Thursday as a Florida state prosecutor began closing arguments in the Trayvon Martin murder trial. Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda argued that Zimmerman incorrectly assumed 17-year-old Martin was a criminal, then acted on the assumption by following him and eventually shooting him—and the law requires accountability for one’s actions, he reminded jurors. De la Rionda also argued that Zimmerman muttering “these assholes always get away” under his breath during a call to police shows ill will (proof of ill will, hatred, or spite is required for a second-degree murder conviction). He also dismissed claims that Zimmerman acted in self-defense, saying that the defendant exaggerated the danger he was in.