Jurors will consider manslaughter charges when deliberation begins later today in Zimmerman’s second-degree murder trial.
Zimmerman says that he shot Martin in self-defense.
Prosecutors want the jury to consider lesser charges during their deliberations. The current charge of second-degree murder requires prosecutors to prove that Zimmerman acted with ill-will when he shot Martin.
"He assumed Trayvon Martin was a criminal. That is why we are here," prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda told the Associated Press .
The defense wanted to keep the jury’s options to second-degree murder or acquittal.
Judge Nelson ruled in the prosecutor’s favor.
Prosecutors decided instead to pursue a charge of a third-degree felony murder instead of aggravated assault, based on a theory that Martin died while Zimmerman committed an alleged felony of child abuse. Martin was 17 when he died.
“The state is seeking third-degree murder based on child abuse. Is the court going to give this any serious contention or consideration? Because if so, we have a lot of talking to do,” defense attorney Don West told the Los Angeles Times .
Judge Nelson has not rendered a decision on the prosecutor’s request.
By Orange County Jail, Florida (http://news.yahoo.com/photos/george-zimmerman-seen-police-mug-shot-provided-orange-photo-202111669.html) (Transferred by User:Superm401 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons