Huh? How is shooting someone who’s on top of you, pummeling your face, constitute “child abuse?”
Via The Blaze:
George Zimmerman’s defense attorney exploded at the prosecution Thursday after they attempted to have the jury also consider a third-degree murder charge based on child abuse in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
“Oh my God. Just when I thought it couldn’t get more bizarre, 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 demanded.
The showdown came ahead of closing arguments in the second-degree murder case as prosecutors requested the jury be instructed to also consider lesser charges for Zimmerman. Judge Debra Nelson said the jury may consider manslaughter as a lesser charge.
Prosecutor Richard Mantei argued that third-degree murder should also be included based on the notion that Zimmerman committed child abuse when he fatally shot Martin, 17. Nelson put off immediately ruling on the matter.
Update: Sanity prevails.
