George Zimmerman trial: State to rest case against Zimmerman by "Friday morning at the latest," prosecutor says
(CBS) -- The state will rest their case against George Zimmerman Wednesday or "Friday morning at the latest," prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda said in court Wednesday afternoon.
PICTURES: George Zimmerman on trial in death of Fla. teen
PICTURES: George Zimmerman crime scene photos
READ: Trayvon Martin Shooting: A timeline of events
Before the jury re-entered the courtroom Wednesday following a lunch break, defense attorney Don West asked Circuit Judge Debra Nelson to recess for the day on Friday to allow the defense team time to depose Benjamin Crump, the attorney for the family of slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin.
VIDEO: Zimmerman trial: Prosecutor opens with profanity
Nelson said the court was set to be in recess for the Fourth of July holiday Thursday, but she had planned to re-convene on Friday.
Nelson denied West's request, saying the state had indicated to her they intended to rest their case Wednesday and for the case to turn over to the defense on Friday.
"I have a jury that's sequestered, they're away from their families," Nelson said. "To take off for the Fourth of July, which everyone requested and this court obliged because it's a national holiday, to then also take Friday and have them there Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday where they're not occupied - it's just not reasonable," Nelson said.
Nelson appeared to be frustrated with West's request, saying attorneys have had time for depositions. "End of discussion," Nelson said, when West began to argue again for more time.
Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda said prosecutors were "pushing" to rest their case Wednesday, but that they would wrap up their case Friday morning at the latest.
Zimmerman is standing trial in Martin's shooting death. The former neighborhood watch captain claims he shot the teen in self-defense during an altercation last year in a Sanford, Fla. gated community. He is charged with second-degree murder.
