Zimmerman Trial: Day 1 – Jury selection

It’s been a slow first day, as the long process of jury selection gets underway in Seminole County.

In a last ditch effort Monday morning, lead Zimmerman defense attorney Mark O’Mara asked Judge Debrah Nelson for a continuance, telling the court that he wasn’t prepared for the start of the trial.

The judge swiftly denied that motion and jury selection began.

For the entire morning potential jurors were placed in a private room and asked to fill out questionnaires, made special for this trial.

Attorneys on both sides spent the morning reviewing those forms, deciding who they wished to question in person.

Later in the day, several potential jurors were put on the stand.

All of them claimed to not watch the case coverage with any sort of real interest or enthusiasm.

When asked about getting their news, two of the potential jurors showed disdain for the media, telling the court they simply don’t pay attention.

It’s expected to take at least a week to pick the jury, possibly longer.

Today the media also heard from Trayvon Martin’s parents and Robert Zimmerman, both of which stressed the importance of peace during this trial.

“We ask that our family and friends continue to pray for us, continue to keep us safe in God’s arms,” said Tracy Martin.

About two dozen protesters have also been making their voices heard, chanting outside the courthouse “The whole system is guilty, Trayvon did not have to die, we all know the reason why.”

Many are holding signs that read “We Say No More” and “Justice for Trayvon.”

I’ve also learned that several of the protesters are members of the Revolutionary Communist Party: USA, which can be seen in bold print on the bottom of their signs.

Out of the 500 Seminole County residents brought in during the next few days, only six will be chosen to decide if George Zimmerman is guilty of second degree murder.

News 96.5 will be inside the courtroom from gavel to gavel, providing team coverage of this high profile trial.