They usually testify on behalf of the state.
By Rene Stutzman, Orlando Sentinel
6:08 p.m. EDT, October 24, 2012
George Zimmerman's lawyers Wednesday notified prosecutors that their witness list now includes a who's who of the Sanford Police Department's chain of command at the time of Trayvon Martin's death, including the police chief, major crimes captain, sergeant and case detectives.
It is an unusual defense strategy. Police officers typically testify
for the state, explaining how they gathered the evidence that led to
charges. In this case, it suggests that Zimmerman's attorneys believe
the testimony of Sanford officers will help — not hurt — their client.
So
far, defense attorneys have subpoenaed eight Sanford officers,
requiring them to appear. There is no indication that the officers have
approached defense attorneys, saying they wanted to help Zimmerman.
Wednesday's defense witness list has on it a dozen names, including
former chief Bill Lee; Bob O'Connor, the major crimes captain who
oversaw the investigation; Lt. Randy Smith, the former sergeant who
supervised the detectives investigating the case; and lead Investigator
Chris Serino.
Zimmerman, 29, a Neighborhood Watch volunteer, shot
and killed Trayvon, an unarmed 17-year-old, Feb. 26 after Zimmerman
called police, describing the teenager as suspicious. Zimmerman says he
shot Trayvon in self-defense after the high school junior attacked him,
pinned him to the ground, beat him and tried to take away Zimmerman's
handgun. READ MORE
6:08 p.m. EDT, October 24, 2012
George Zimmerman's lawyers Wednesday notified prosecutors that their witness list now includes a who's who of the Sanford Police Department's chain of command at the time of Trayvon Martin's death, including the police chief, major crimes captain, sergeant and case detectives.
So far, defense attorneys have subpoenaed eight Sanford officers, requiring them to appear. There is no indication that the officers have approached defense attorneys, saying they wanted to help Zimmerman.
Wednesday's defense witness list has on it a dozen names, including former chief Bill Lee; Bob O'Connor, the major crimes captain who oversaw the investigation; Lt. Randy Smith, the former sergeant who supervised the detectives investigating the case; and lead Investigator Chris Serino.
Zimmerman, 29, a Neighborhood Watch volunteer, shot and killed Trayvon, an unarmed 17-year-old, Feb. 26 after Zimmerman called police, describing the teenager as suspicious. Zimmerman says he shot Trayvon in self-defense after the high school junior attacked him, pinned him to the ground, beat him and tried to take away Zimmerman's handgun. READ MORE
