Testimony: Day 11

Sanford city manager, Norton Bonaparte, testified that 911 tapes were played in his office as a “courtesy to the family” before they were released to the public. Defense attorney Mark O’Mara seemed to imply an ulterior motive. O’Mara asked if it was recorded. Bonaparte replied, “No.”  O’Mara inquired if there were law enforcement officers in the meeting. Bonaparte explained, they said “they would rather not have law enforcement in the room.”

The defense worked to erode the scientific evidence presented by the prosecution in the George Zimmerman trial. Defense attorneys called a retired gunshot wound expert to the stand to discuss the forensic evidence. Dr. Vincent Di Malo testified that Trayvon Martin may have had a 10 to 15 second oxygen supply in his brain, allowing the teenager to move his arms out to his side as George Zimmerman has said happened after he shot Martin.

As for Zimmerman’s injuries, Dr. Di Mal told jurors the two lacerations on Zimmerman’s head were a “marker of force., indicates you’ve had severe force.” He also said, “When your head hits concrete, the concrete doesn’t yield, your head does. Could you kill somebody? Sure, if you hit them hard enough.”

During cross examination, prosecuting attorney Bernie de la Rionda emphasized Zimmerman’s ability to walk the night after the shooting and the following day. De la Rionda said, “He was walking and talking just fine. You’re not quibbling with that are you?” Dr. Di Malo replied, “No.”

Dr. Malo testified that Martin suffered a contact gunshot wound, which is what crime analyst Amy Siewart also told jurors. But, the doctor said the pattern left by tSanford city manager, Norton Bonaparte, testified that 911 tapes were played in his office as a “courtesy to the family” before they were released to the public. Defense attorney Mark O’Mara seemed to imply an ulterior motive. O’Mara asked if it was recorded. Bonaparte replied, “No.”  O’Mara inquired if there were law enforcement officers in the meeting. Bonaparte explained, they said “they would rather not have law enforcement in the room.”

The defense worked to erode the scientific evidence presented by the prosecution in the George Zimmerman trial. Defense attorneys called a retired gunshot wound expert to the stand to discuss the forensic evidence. Dr. Vincent Di Malo testified that Trayvon Martin may have had a 10 to 15 second oxygen supply in his brain, allowing the teenager to move his arms out to his side as George Zimmerman has said happened after he shot Martin.

As for Zimmerman’s injuries, Dr. Di Mal told jurors the two lacerations on Zimmerman’s head were a “marker of force., indicates you’ve had severe force.” He also said, “When your head hits concrete, the concrete doesn’t yield, your head does. Could you kill somebody? Sure, if you hit them hard enough.”

During cross examination, prosecuting attorney Bernie de la Rionda emphasized Zimmerman’s ability to walk the night after the shooting and the following day. De la Rionda said, “He was walking and talking just fine. You’re not quibbling with that are you?” Dr. Di Malo replied, “No.”

Dr. Malo testified that Martin suffered a contact gunshot wound, which is what crime analyst Amy Siewart also told jurors. But, the doctor said the pattern left by the gunpowder indicated the muzzle of the gun was not touching Martin’s chest but was close on his clothing. That is significant because it supports Zimmerman’s testimony that Martin was atop him, allowing Martin’s clothing to fall away from his body.

The gunpowder indicated the muzzle of the gun was not touching Martin’s chest but was close on his clothing. That is significant because it supports Zimmerman’s testimony that Martin was atop him, allowing Martin’s clothing to fall away from his body.