The murder trial begins Monday for George Zimmerman, the volunteer night watchman who fatally shot an unarmed black teenager, sparking protests across the United States and claims of racial profiling.
The trial, expected to last at least a month, begins with jury selection at 9 am local time (1300 GMT) in the Seminole County Courthouse in central Florida, near where the crime took place on a rainy night in February 2012.
George Zimmerman, now 29, faces a charge of second-degree murder for killing Trayvon Martin, 17, as he walked through the gated community to the house where his father was staying with a friend.
Zimmerman, son of a white father and a Hispanic mother, has pleaded not guilty, arguing he acted in self defense when he shot Martin after confronting him.
When police arrived, the only items found in the pockets of his hoodie sweatshirt were a pack of Skittles and a bottle of iced tea.
Sanford police initially released Zimmerman after the shooting, because they said he was acting in line with so-called "stand your ground" rules, which give immunity to those who use firearms when they feel their lives are in jeopardy.
The killing riveted the United States at the time, sparking massive protests in several US cities against what many saw as a racial bias in the crime and the police response.
Martin's death drew an expression of sympathy from President Barack Obama, and sparked a debate on "stand your ground" laws in Florida and other gun-friendly states.
Zimmerman was later arrested and faces life in prison if convicted. In the end, he opted not to base his defense on the "stand your ground" law.
If he did, it would have required him to reveal much of his pre-trial strategy to prosecutors. Instead, he is mounting a traditional self-defense case.
He argues Martin attacked him and left him with a bloodied head; he has shown photos as evidence of this.
Jury selection is expected to take several days because of the case's notoriety and the difficulty of finding people who can examine the case as objectively as possible.
"I don't believe there can be someone in this city that can be open-minded enough to be a juror in this case," said paralegal Sheena Rowland, who lives in Sanford.
Nicolas Dorsten, a lawyer specializing in "stand your ground" cases, said both sides will struggle to find objective jurors.
"This case has gotten national coverage so it will be tough to find a jury that can be fair to either side, quite frankly. It is going to be one of the struggles both the state and the defense will have to come up with."
Authorities were also gearing up for protests from civil rights advocates and pro-gun groups, gathering local, state and federal security forces and erecting barricades around the courthouse.
Hundreds of media outlets will cover the trial.
Inside the courthouse, 31 seats were reserved for reporters and photographers, around six for the families of the victim and defendant, and another four to religious leaders who have helped authorities damp down the racial tensions surrounding the case.
"It a shame that such a sad incident has drawn attention to Sanford," said Ann Johnson, manager of a small downtown hotel, but she said it's been good for business.
"We have had full occupancy in the hotels and the restaurants downtown are doing very well," she said.
AFP
Mon Jun 10 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.