Testimony: Day 12

The defense in the George Zimmerman case rested today after the 29 year-old neighborhood watch volunteer declined to testify on his behalf. As the testimony in the trial neared an end, attorneys used a mannequin to demonstrate what may have happened the night Zimmerman shot and killed 17 year-old Trayvon Martin.

Prosecuting attorney, John Guy, brought out the mannequin during cross examination of defense witness, Dennis Root who is a law enforcement trainer and private investigator. Guy zeroed in on the plausibility of Zimmerman being able to reach for his gun if Martin were atop him as Zimmerman claims. Guy also pointed out that if Martin had been atop Zimmerman and was getting up that would signal a de-escalation in the fight, saying Zimmerman did not have to shoot. Earlier testimony indicates there were two to four inches between Zimmerman and Martin at the time of the shooting, eliminating the possibility that Martin was at a 90-degree angle and raining blows down on Zimmerman. Guy asked Root about other options Zimmerman could have taken. Root replied that Zimmerman “wasn’t physically trained” to do anything else. Earlier in his testimony, Root told that he believes, “if you haven’t won the fight in 30 seconds, change tactics.”

Defense attorney Mark O’Mara grabbed the mannequin by the shoulders and slammed it into the floor repeatedly; seeking to bolster the defense claim that Zimmerman suffered life-threatening injuries during the fight with Martin.

Robert Zimmerman, Sr. testified as the final witness for the defense. George Zimmerman’s father identified the voice crying for help in the 911 call as that of his son.