Today was probably the best day of the trial so far, or at least up there with Dee Dee Day 1. State put the mom on, as expected, to identify TM as the one screaming. It was very important that she not actually say anything about TM's character, lest that open the door to defense introducing negative things, but I wonder if saying that TM "is in heaven" qualifies as an endorsement of character? Would be an interesting argument.
I also thought it was interesting that the mom used TMs full name early and often, Trayvon Benjamin Martin. I'm sure there was a reason for this, but it sounded a little odd at times.
On cross, defense started by trying to offer his condolences, to which state objected. Cross focused on bias and how can she really tell its TM screaming.
Next, the state put on the half brother to again identify the screams. I really think this was a bad decision because cross pointed out that the brother told media for several weeks after shooting that he couldnt tell who was screaming. I honestly think the state was putting on one more witness to run out the clock so defense couldn't start until next week. So much for that...
State rests, D argues motion for acquittal verdict, motion denied. All as expected. Disappointing that the judge provided absolutely no analysis for decision, especially when the evidence is as thin as it is here, but this laziness is also, unfortunately, par for the course.
So now its almost 5 pm. Quitting time, right? Nope, defense call your first witness! All of states careful planning out the window. So defense cleverly puts GZs mom on the stand to rebut TMs on the very same day. What follows is a direct/cross that's a bizarre mirror image of the Martin testimony. "That's my son!" "How do you really know?" "Ever heard him scream like that before?" Basically completely neutralizes martins testimony except for the empathy factor.
And speaking of empathy, I'm going to revise my prediction. I still think there's zero chance of murder, but I now think there's a maybe 50/50 chance of manslaughter. From a legal standpoint, it would not be justified based on the evidence, and would probably even be tossed on appeal, but I can't rule out the impact of the all woman jury. Women tend to be a bit more favorable in general to prosecution. They're also less likely, or capable, of putting themselves in GZ's shoes during the fight while he's pinned to the ground, instead judging the reasonableness as a more passive observer. Finally, women are more empathetic, and may want to give TM's mom at least something. Not saying it will happen, but I would t be surprised either.
