Crime

Trayvon Martin Case: Sanford police gave different accounts of George Zimmerman's injuries, documents say

By Crimesider Staff

July 12, 2012 / 2:05 PM EDT / CBS News

5/17: Zimmerman photos released, baby trafficking ring — According to new evidence released by prosecutors, Sanford police officers gave conflicting accounts of George Zimmerman's injuries during the shooting attack of Trayvon Martin

(CBS/AP) ORLANDO, Fla. - Newly released documents give conflicting accounts from Sanford police officers of George Zimmerman's injuries in the minutes after he fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Pictures: George Zimmerman faces murder charges

Prosecutors released the documents Thursday, which show that some officers thought Zimmerman's nose was broken but others didn't. The officers agreed that the former neighborhood watch volunteer had cuts on the back of his head.

The degree of Zimmerman's injuries could be important in his claim of self-defense under Florida's "stand your ground" law. Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting.

The documents also provide an account of Martin's activities with his cousin the day before the shooting and show crime scene photos.

Zimmerman was arrested 44 days after the shooting. The delay triggered protests nationwide and the departure of Sanford's police chief.

Complete coverage of the Trayvon Martin case on CBS News