US

Zimmerman’s fate goes to 6 women in jury

Chuck Ross Investigative Reporter
Font Size:

SANFORD, Fla. – As of 2:30 p.m. Friday, George Zimmerman’s fate now lies in the hands of a six-person all-female jury. Judge Debra Nelson read 27 pages of jury instructions after lunch recess, instructing the jury on the requirements for second-degree murder and the lesser included charge of manslaughter.

If convicted of second-degree murder, Zimmerman faces a minimum sentence of 25 years. If convicted of manslaughter, the maximum time Zimmerman will face is 30 years. The jury will not be instructed on sentencing guidelines.

The second-degree murder charge against Zimmerman has been enhanced under a mandatory minimum sentencing law unique to Florida called “10-20-Life,” invoked for crimes involving a gun.

The trial began June 10 and concluded Friday after defense attorney Mark O’Mara’s closing argument. State attorney John Guy presented a rebuttal closing argument before recess.