George Zimmerman Update: Trayvon Martin family calls for justice, fair and impartial trial as jury selection launches
(CBS) -- The family of Trayvon Martin, the Florida teen killed during a confrontation with former neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, spoke out Monday as Zimmerman's murder trial got underway, calling for justice for their son and a "fair and impartial" trial.
PICTURES: George Zimmerman in court
READ: Trayvon Martin Shooting: A timeline of events
"We are relieved the start of the trial is here with jury selection as we seek justice for our son Trayvon," said Tracy Martin, the teen's father. "We also seek a fair and impartial trial and we ask that the community continue to stay peaceful as we place our faith in the justice system."
Jury selection in the high-profile case launched Monday as dozens of jurors reported to the courthouse, the Orlando Sentinel reported. A total jury pool of 500 is expected to be called, with 100 more potential jurors arriving each day until the jury is seated, reports the paper. The selection process could take up to three weeks.
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for the deadly confrontation in a gated community in Sanford, Fla., the night on Feb. 26, 2012. He claims he killed the teen in self-defense.
Also speaking to reporters Monday was Robert Zimmerman Jr., George Zimmerman's older brother. Zimmerman praised the defense team and said he doesn't believe the state will be able to meet its burden in proving that his brother wasn't acting in self-defense.
"I think it's important for the jurors to get to know George is a real person and not just whatever image is being splashed across the screen," Zimmerman said. "He's a very sensitive person, generous and likeable when you get to know him."
Speaking last week with CBS News' Crimesider, Robert Zimmerman said he believes his brother was improperly charged. His family has "no doubt" he will be acquitted, Zimmerman said.
Court was set to resume at 2 p.m. ET following a lunch recess.
Complete coverage of the George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin case on Crimesider
