"We want peace for Trayvon:" Miami community leaders call for calm ahead of George Zimmerman verdict
(CBS) -- Community leaders in Miami are planning a "town hall" meeting next week to call for calm regardless of the verdict in the trial of suspected murderer George Zimmerman, CBS Miami reports.
PICTURES: George Zimmerman on trial in death of Fla. teen
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READ: Trayvon Martin Shooting: A timeline of events
"We want peace for Trayvon," Miami-Dade Community Relations Board member Dr. Walter T. Richardson said, according to CBS Miami.
The case of the former neighborhood watch captain charged in the shooting death of unarmed Florida teen Trayvon Martin has garnered the national and international spotlight. A 44-day delay in Zimmerman's arrest last year led to nationwide protests and a backlash from the civil rights community, and the case has sparked country-wide debate about issues including self-defense, the rights of citizens to arm themselves, and race.
Martin was black, and Zimmerman identifies himself as Hispanic.
Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial is entering its tenth day on Friday, when prosecutors are expected to rest their case against the 29-year-old. Prosecutors claim Zimmerman profiled Martin as a criminal and shot him because "he wanted to," while the defense claimed he was "viciously attacked" by Martin and shot in self defense.
VIDEO: Zimmerman trial: Prosecutor opens with profanity
Some have claimed Zimmerman racially profiled Martin, but the term was barred by a judge from opening statements.
The Miami-Dade Police have reportedly said they have no advance indication of any unrest following the verdict, but will be prepared to keep the peace if necessary.
The Miami-Dade Community Relations Board is also asking star basketball players the Miami Heat to aid in the appeal for calm through social media, CBS Miami reports, according to the report, and the group is encouraging houses of verdict to remain open when the verdict is reached.
Court is set to resume at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning after a recess Thursday for the Fourth of July holiday. Prosecutors have said they will wrap up their case against Zimmerman by Friday morning at the latest, when the case will turn over to the defense.
It's not clear whether Trayvon Martin's parents will take the stand Friday. Martin's family has said they think a voice screaming in the background of a neighbor's 911 call is Trayvon, while Zimmerman's father has said he thinks it is his son.
A voice expert testified this week that while it's not possible to scientifically analyze the screams, a person familiar with the voice - such as family member - may have a "better chance" at identifying it.
