News about zimmerman trial

About eight hours later, the defense called Gladys Zimmerman as its first witness. The company strongly denies the allegation. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

NBC News Logo. Covid Politics U. News World Opinion Business. Share this —. Search Search. Zimmerman says he acted in self-defense. Focus on the Zimmerman trial fit naturally in the 10 p. It was such a success that it attracted the attention of CNN, which has been actively searching for something new to put on at 10 p. That was up 41 percent from what it had been averaging at that time on Mondays through Thursdays during the previous month and instantly made it the network's most popular show in prime time.

HLN's "After Dark" averaged , viewers on Monday through Thursday, up 55 percent from its average over the past month though below its peak during the Arias trial, Nielsen said. CNN has been testing different formats for its 10 p. Cooper has been involved in some of the experiments and hosted "Self Defense or Murder?

Scheduled initially as a one-week test, the Zimmerman-focused hour is expected to continue because the ratings are so strong. CNN declined a request to have an executive talk about their plans. But he noted that the two programs are different in their approaches and play to the strength of each network.

The show's format is to have a dozen members of the public acting as the jury while lawyers familiar with the case argue both sides of a particular issue addressed in that day's testimony. Both shows started as a way to provide extra coverage of an ongoing story — for "Nightline," it was the Iranian hostage crisis of — and continued after the initial story ended. ET show at But network executives looked for a way to prolong its coverage of Arias, a woman convicted of stabbing and shooting her on-again, off-again boyfriend in suburban Phoenix, when her trial proved popular and lengthy.

Why not give a forum to the experts hired by the network to talk about the Arias case, since they loved to talk about it after hours anyway? In addition to heavily caffeinated lawyers, the "jury" offers a way to bring in members of the public who are following the case closely. Producers had initially considered having a studio audience. Trials are by nature theatrical, Safon said.

He wanted a show that would reflect that, one that was lively and engaging but not descend into silliness. During the last four weeks of the Arias trial, which ended May 8, the "After Dark" recap averaged , viewers each weeknight, more than double the , who watched a Grace rerun during the same period in , Nielsen said.

Trayvon Martin: The year-old was walking back from a convenience store on the night of Feb. Tall and lanky, a lover of sports and music, he was described by his family as quiet and respectful and by former teachers as creative and curious.

Defense lawyers have offered a less flattering portrayal, releasing text messages in which Martin expressed interest in guns and discussed marijuana and being suspended from school. George Zimmerman: The former neighborhood watch volunteer dialed frequently to report suspicious activity. He called again the night of Feb. Court filings have suggested that the prosecution may try to make an issue out of his membership at a Florida martial arts gym.

Serino authored a report that first recommended Zimmerman be charged with second-degree murder and was later revised to say manslaughter, court documents show. Last summer, Serino moved from his job as a detective to an overnight patrol shift at his request, a Sanford police spokesman said.