Posted on 07/15/2013 8:42:23 AM PDT by kristinn
Florida prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda had "prayed that [George Zimmerman] would have the courage to take the stand," he told ABC News in an exclusive interview Sunday, adding that Zimmerman's "inconsistent statements" would have made him the prosecution's star witness.
In the interview with the four Florida prosecutors who fought to convict Zimmerman, lead prosecutor de la Rionda said, "I prayed that he would have the courage to take the stand but, as we all well know, he's got the right not to."
"Anytime you put in a defendant's statements and a lot of those are self-serving, then usually a defendant will make the decision not to testify because you've got his story out. We felt it was important to get his story out because there were so many lies."
De la Rionda, who would have cross-examined Zimmerman had he taken the stand, said he would have been interested to see how the former neighborhood watch captain answered several of his questions:
"Why did you assume because [Trayvon] Martin was wearing a hoodie, he was committing a crime? Why did you assume that because he was walking he was doing something improper? Why didn't you identify yourself? Why did you assume he didn't belong in the neighborhood?"
Zimmerman, 29, was found not guilty in the death of Trayvon Martin late Saturday night. Zimmerman was accused of second-degree murder for shooting Martin, 17, Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford, Fla. He said from the beginning that he had shot Martin in self-defense.
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
I suspect the judge felt this way, as well - that’s why she went in to the apparently unprecedented questioning of Zimmerman as to whether he would testify. The hack that she is . . .
It’s pretty effing sad the Prosecution’s best hope was the testimony of the defendant.
None of the questions the prosecutor proposes asking here had anything to do with "inconsistent statements". Had Zimmerman made "inconsistent statements" they could have gotten that into evidence by just calling the person he made the statements to as witnesses. More lies from the prosecution team.
This bald moron drone should pray he still has a job. I believe if the defense rested after this moron case was finished the verdict would have been the same.
Those questions would have been easy to answer.
1) All the blacks who were caught breaking into houses wore hoodies. (Disprove that Dr. Phil!)
2) He wasn’t just walking. He was peeking into windows.
3) Our Watch Committee was told by the cops not to confront suspects.
4) He didn’t live there so I didn’t recognize him.
“And I have a question for you, Mr. Prosecutor? Why are you always prosecuting a bunch of black teens? Are you prejudiced?
If I was a lot younger I’d say Pam Bondi is only good for one thing.
I saw this earlier. The best defense lawyer asks the prosecution’s witnesses the right questions on cross examination and never needs to put the client on the stand. I’ve been on trial - with an acquittal ordered by the judge after the prosecution rested.
Well let's hope so ... but the FL GOP will fight anyone trying to primary them
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He better keep praying that Zimmerman doesn't drag him into court for malicious prosecution.
1. If the DOJ files a case against Zimmerman, what degree of disclosure would be possible? Could Zimmerman lawyers go after Holder (+ Obama)?
2. Can Zimmerman sue Angela Corey et al for malicious prosecution? Would Biondi, Gov. Scott, Holder and Obama be possible targets?
The judge did all she could and then more to answer your prayer. Obama does not answer all prayers in your favor.
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