SANFORD, Fla. – Citing prior case law, the judge in the George Zimmerman murder case on Friday ruled that the defense was entitled to the school records of Trayvon Martin, although the information will not be made public.
In a self-defense claim, the defendant is entitled to inquire about the victim's propensity for violence. It's not known, however, if the evidence will be permitted at trial.
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As attorneys made opening arguments, a clean-shaven and slightly heavier Zimmerman, 29, sat emotionless at a table wearing a sports coat over a dress shirt and a striped yellow tie.
Before the hearing, the parents of Martin lashed out about the request. Attorney Ben Crump, who's representing Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, said Trayvon Martin's school records "are not relevant in any way" to what happened Feb. 26, the night Martin was fatally shot in a gated Sanford community.
Because their son's records are being released, Martin's parents said Zimmerman's confidential medical records should be, too.
"I hope you all have not forgotten about my son because I have certainly not forgotten about him," Sybrina Fulton said.
"Trayvon was the victim," said Tracy Martin.
"George Zimmerman, for whatever reasons ... profiled Trayvon Martin and shot him in the heart," Crump said. "And Trayvon is not here to tell us what happened."
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Crump was asked by the media what they would do if the court decides to release the records.
"We will stand by any ruling of the court," said Crump, adding that Martin's parents urge people not to take the law into their own hands.
Facebook is against the release of Martin's posts, citing privacy rights.
Fulton also discussed a Change for Trayvon committee that's been formed in an effort to change Florida's "stand your ground" law. Martin's parents said they want the wording to state that someone cannot instigate a fight and then claim self-defense.
Crump added that Martin's parents are not against the Second Amendment but are in favor of "sensible" gun laws.
Zimmerman, who's expected to attend Friday's hearing, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Martin, who was shot in a gated Sanford community. Zimmerman says he shot Martin in self-defense.
At a hearing earlier this week, Judge Debra S. Nelson declared that Zimmerman's murder trial would start on June 10.