George Zimmerman has been ordered back to jail after the judge learned he’d been lying about his finances during his bond hearing. Zimmerman faces second-degree murder charges in the death of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida. Zimmerman already knew he’d collected more than $100,000 through PayPal contributions to his website, but he told the court he had only limited resources. After the hearing, he was released on a $150,000 bond.
Now he may have to spend the next year or two in jail while his trial proceeds.
And now his credibility has been punctured. And by the way, Zimmerman has two passports, and had only surrendered one of them to authorities, as was required under the terms of his bond.
The Washington Post reports:
The judge questioning Zimmerman’s truthfulness could undermine the defendant’s credibility if it is brought up at trial, which could happen, and may complicate how his defense presents him as a witness, said Orlando-area attorney Randy McCLean, who is a former prosecutor.
Witness accounts of the rainy night Martin was shot are spotty. There is no video of the fight, though photos prosecutors have released showed Zimmerman with wounds to his face and the back of his head. His recollection of what happened is key.
“The other key witness, unfortunately is deceased,” McClean said. “Basically, Zimmerman is going to be asking the jury to believe his version of the facts … As the case stands now, his credibility is absolutely critical to the case.”
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