AP/ January 30, 2013, 9:30 PM

Zimmerman wants to delay trial for Martin shooting

George Zimmerman arrives in court at the Seminole County courthouse for a hearing Dec. 11, 2012, in Sanford, Fla.

George Zimmerman arrives in court at the Seminole County courthouse for a hearing Dec. 11, 2012, in Sanford, Fla. / AP Photo

ORLANDO, Fla. Attorneys for the former neighborhood watch volunteer charged with shooting Trayvon Martin to death on Wednesday asked for more time to prepare his case, saying prosecutors had been slow to turn over evidence.

At the same time, Zimmerman's lead attorney, Mark O'Mara, renewed his request for donations to George Zimmerman's legal defense, which he said could cost up to $1 million.

"The state has virtually unlimited resources to prosecute George," O'Mara said on Zimmerman's defense fund website. "To finance his defense, however, George relies on the generosity of individuals who believe he is innocent."

Spokesman Shawn Vincent said Zimmerman's attorneys want his second-degree murder trial to be moved from June to November. Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty.

A hearing in which Zimmerman will argue he was acting in self-defense is scheduled for April. The judge has said that hearing will be at least 45 days before the trial.

Prosecutors did not immediately respond to emails and phone calls about the defense request.

O'Mara said prosecutors had been slow to turn over evidence. As an example, he said someone from State Attorney's Office had removed Martin's cell phone from an evidence locker to have it sent to California for analysis, but the state has refused to give him any information about the agency and the type of tests being run on the phone. He also said prosecutors had made it difficult for O'Mara to get answers to administrative questions from a chief investigative agent and had refused to forward them other information on Martin and a witness.

19 Photos

Trayvon Martin shooting

O'Mara also asked the public to donate more money for his defense, saying on the web site that Zimmerman's defense fund has raised more than $314,000 since he was charged. Of that amount, $95,000 was spent on bail, almost $62,000 was spent on Zimmerman's living expenses during the past eight months and $56,100 was spent on security. The pricey living expenses were the result of Zimmerman having to stay at extended-stay hotels until he could find a place to rent after his bail conditions were changed to restrict him to Seminole County, Fla., according to the statement on the website said.

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18 Comments Add a Comment
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michaelamsterdam says:
"I DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS" George Zimmerman rages at the world...finally breaking under the strain of living in the squalor that a lousy eight thousand a month gets these days

"Why?" A mildly confused and increasingly indifferent world responds

"Because it's GOD'S WILL!"
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rightontarget says:
There is also no evidence that Martin "noticed Zimmerman took notice of him, giving him the evil eye and proceeded to teach the little man a lesson". Testimony of Zimmerman's personality and past history will come out at trial which would be more than enough to suggest his intentions. He could very well have "kept and eye" on Martin from his car or at least at a better distance. Zimmerman is nobody's "hero" and branding Martin as a "thug" is also just a matter of opinion. Can't wait to see how the actual trial pans out. Oh by the way, just because Zimmerman SAID "OK" doesn't mean he actually did "back off" at that time. Like I said, can't wait to hear everything that will come out about this jerk at the trial. I'm sure he will be held accountable in some way for contributing to Martin's death.
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rightontarget replies:
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Just how "brutally" Zimmerman was beaten (no self-inflicted wounds there, huh?) and the how and why remain to be seen. Evidence will come out during the trial. Oh but Martin certainally asked to be dead now didn't he? Most Neighborhood Watch folks don't even carry a weapon. If Martin was "asking for it" then so was Zimmerman when he kept following Martin and refused to just stay out of the way and let the real cops deal with it.
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michaelamsterdam says:
I'll bet Zimmie really resents having to share any of the swag from those panhandling websites with his attorney...

After all, HE was the one who EARNED that money by gunning down an unarmed kid...

If it wasn't for O'Mara, Georgie could have spent the last eight months living in much nicer accommodations than a lousy $62,000 can buy...

And the room service and mini-bar charges are a CRIME!
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michaelamsterdam replies:
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Sure, Whacko With Many Names...

6'3" and 140 pounds...and the State of Florida is completely wrong when they designate anyone unger 18 years old a minor

And there is only the word of a proven liar that Trayvon Martin assaulted him...unless you count two minute scratches that did not require even ONE stitch...some "brutal assault"
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frankie2fing says:
Hey, I know... let's ask Trayvon Martin if Zimmerman can have more time to prepare.

Oh, wait, Zimmerman made sure he could not do that...
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Wingsfan1983 says:
Zimmerman is now rather portly.....Will help him fry better.
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destruk3 says:
almost $62,000 was spent on Zimmerman's living expenses during the past eight months -- gee, where was he living before - with his parents right? That's expensive.
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WhereisOT says:
So....The stalker/murderer was hailed as a hero & coached by gop lovin fear/hate mongering liars under the bright lights of faux news..

Thought it was case won, end of story..
Need more time for a "simple" case of "self defense"..
Imagine that...

"$56,100 was spent on security"

No patriots donating....

A little over 200 bucks can buy "security" can't it...

You "attorney" and the murderer best enter up in "free gun" giveaways..
See what type of "thorough background checks" they really do...

If you win "security" and pass the background check that would be a cheaper way to go...
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JamieLeeDavis says:
Zimmerman's supporters think there's nothing wrong with an armed neighborhood watchman inflicting death upon someone they think looks suspicious.
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JamieLeeDavis says:
Zimmerman sat in his living room with his gun, looking out the window. He saw someone who looked suspicious, so he called the cops. Against police orders, he also followed the suspect, confronted him, got in a fight, and killed the kid he was following.
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the_egret says:
Just send him to walk around Chicago's South Side for a few days.
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