George Zimmerman Trial: Zimmerman appears in court; judge set to weigh admissibility of voice experts
(CBS/AP) SANFORD, Fla. - A Florida judge will consider whether to accept a voice expert's testimony at the last hearing before the start of George Zimmerman's trial for fatally shooting teen Trayvon Martin during a confrontation last year in Sanford, Fla. gated community.
PICTURES: George Zimmerman faces murder charge
READ: Trayvon Martin Shooting: A timeline of events
Zimmerman appeared in court for the hearing Thursday morning.
Thursday's court hearing will tie up several loose ends before the start of the former neighborhood watch leader's second-degree murder trial next week.
Prosecutors have hired voice recognition experts who have given mixed opinions on whether screams for help on 911 calls were those of Zimmerman or Martin. One state expert said he heard Martin saying "I'm begging you" in the background after he analyzed the recording.
Zimmerman's brother Robert Zimmerman, speaking to CBS News' Crimesider, called the finding "voodoo forensics." Experts have said that the testimony of the voice expert, if allowed at trial, would benefit prosecutors.
Defense attorneys also have asked Circuit Judge Debra Nelson to sanction prosecutors for what they describe as delays in turning over evidence, and have asked to keep certain witnesses anonymous.
Zimmerman is pleading not guilty, claiming self-defense.
The trial is expected to last more than a month.
Complete coverage of the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case on Crimesider
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