New evidence in the Trayvon Martin case has been leaked to the media, with the attorney for the slain youth’s parents calling the leaks a ploy to bolster favor for George Zimmerman, Martin’s alleged killer.
On May 16, attorney Benjamin Crump said the release of the medical report from Zimmerman’s personal doctor was clearly done to strengthen Zimmerman’s defense.
“It was leaked for a beneficial purpose,” Crump told USA Today. He went on to say it was done “to help George Zimmerman’s claim of self-defense.”
According to reports, Zimmerman had two black eyes, a closed fracture on his nose and two cuts on his head following the altercation in which he allegedly shot Martin.
Crump argued that the extent of Zimmerman’s injuries does nothing to prove how the altercation started or what led to the shooting.
“You have to look at this in the full context,” he said. “George Zimmerman made the decision to get out of his car, profile Trayvon Martin, pursue Trayvon Martin and confront him.”
Since then, however, more evidence has been released. Recordings of Martin’s girlfriend and another witness’ interview with prosecutors were made public.
Martin’s girlfriend said that she could hear Martin telling Zimmerman to get off just moments before his cell phone was cut off. The other witness says Martin was on top of Zimmerman for at least part of the struggle.
Also, an autopsy report revealed that Martin had small levels of THC, an ingredient found in marijuana, in his system. Some forensic experts are unsure whether that will even be introduced at the trial.
“This kind of level can be seen days after somebody smokes,” Larry Kobilinsky, professor of forensic science at John Hay College of Criminal Justice, told CBS News. “If it comes up in the case, I would be surprised. It wouldn’t benefit the defense, it wouldn’t benefit the prosecution, and if the defense tried to bring it up, the judge would keep it out.”
Photos of Zimmerman were also released, showing him with a bloody nose and a laceration on the back of his head.