Yahoo News with video
One of the most anticipated murder trials in recent
memory began with a torrent of profanity from the prosecution and a
knock-knock joke from the defense.
The state of Florida’s case against George Zimmerman began on Monday
with the expected debate about whether the man who shot and fatally
wounded 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February 2012 committed murder or
acted in self-defense. What was not expected was a bit of forced humor,
which fell jarringly flat.
The lead defense attorney, Don West, declared early in his remarks
that “sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying” and then ventured
a joke. He confessed it was “a little bit weird” to do so and asked the
jury to avoid holding the joke against the defendant.
Then he went ahead.
“Knock, knock,” West said, stunning both the jury and the assembled onlookers.
“Who’s there?” he answered himself.
“George Zimmerman.”
“George Zimmerman who?”
“All right. Good. You're on the jury.”
There was barely a reaction.
“Nothing?” West said, in genuine surprise.
This was met with some nervous laughter.
It was a deeply strange way to open a trial about a killing that has
rattled and vexed an entire nation. The death of Martin, on his way home
from buying candy at a local convenience store, has touched a national
third rail, launching arguments and protests about race, gun laws and
civil rights.
Later, after a lunch recess, West apologized. “I really thought it was funny,” he said. “Sorry if I offended anyone.”
A clunky start struggled to find footing as West slogged through a
long trail of evidence that lasted more than two-and-a-half hours. The
argument meandered, and West admitted as much.
“I don’t know if you follow what I mean,” he told the jury at one point.
