Advertisement

Lawyers want Zimmerman evidence private

George Zimmerman looks at his Attorney Mark O'Mara during his bail hearing at the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center in Sanford, Florida on April 20, 2012. Zimmerman, accused in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, had bail set at $150,000 during the hearing on second-degree murder chargers. UPI/ Gary Green/Pool
George Zimmerman looks at his Attorney Mark O'Mara during his bail hearing at the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center in Sanford, Florida on April 20, 2012. Zimmerman, accused in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, had bail set at $150,000 during the hearing on second-degree murder chargers. UPI/ Gary Green/Pool | License Photo

SANFORD, Fla., May 14 (UPI) -- George Zimmerman's attorney said he will try to keep some evidence unavailable to the public and the media, and the prosecutor has expressed a similar intent.

Defense attorney Mark O'Mara is representing the Sanford, Fla., Neighborhood Watch volunteer charged with second-degree murder in the killing of Trayvon Martin in what has developed into a racially charged and sensational criminal case. O'Mara said after he gets his first look at the evidence he will likely request the judge keep key elements private, the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel reported Monday.

Advertisement

Special Prosecutor Angela Corey's office has made it clear that evidence will not be immediately available to the public, contrary to typical procedure in Florida law, the newspaper said.

Corey's lead trial attorney, Bernie de la Rionda, has also informed the judge that he prefers not to have evidence, like witnesses' names, made public, and said he may file a request to keep all or some evidence secret.

If evidence is kept unavailable, lawyers for news organizations will petition for access to the information, further complicating the case, the newspaper said.

Latest Headlines