Zimmerman declines to testify; defense rests murder case
7/10/2013SANFORD, Fla. — George Zimmerman has declined to testify in his second-degree murder trial.
The judge asked Zimmerman what his decision was on Wednesday afternoon. He said that he decided not to take the stand after discussing it with his lawyers.
A short time later, the defense rested its case after calling 18 witnesses in less than a week.
Jurors already have heard Zimmerman's account of his fatal fight with Trayvon Martin from police interview recordings that were played in the courtroom.
Zimmerman is pleading not guilty, claiming he shot the 17-year-old Martin in self-defense.