BREAKING: Judge rules evidence of #TrayvonMartin‘s prior marijuana use cannot be used in case.
— NewsBreaker (@NewsBreaker) May 28, 2013
This morning in the final pretrial hearing for George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman accused of killing black Florida teen Trayvon Martin, a judge has made key rulings regarding the admissibility of various evidence.
The highlights:
Martin’s past marijuana use is not admissible, and neither is his wearing of gold teeth.
Judge will not allow evidence to be introduced #TrayvonMartin wore gold teeth.
— bob kealing (@bobkealing) May 28, 2013
Judge: Neither party can mention toxicology showing pot in openings, but could let it in during trial if expert shows it is admissible.
— Tony Pipitone (@TonyPipitone) May 28, 2013
However, according to reporters tweeting from the courtroom, evidence of his history of violence will be allowed, with conditions.
Judge rules evidence of #TrayvonMartin alleged fighting will be allowed in. Must pass heresay hurdles.#GeorgeZimmerman @wesh
— bob kealing (@bobkealing) May 28, 2013
The highly controversial text messages are out, for now:
Judge blocks text messages from trial, unless defense shows they are relevant and probative, and not outweighed by prejudice. Evidence 101.
— Tony Pipitone (@TonyPipitone) May 28, 2013
The rulings could cripple the defense’s plan of attack:
O’Mara confirms #GeorgeZimmerman theory of defense revolves around #TrayvonMartin alleged drug use, fighting and knowledge of guns. @wesh
— bob kealing (@bobkealing) May 28, 2013