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George Zimmerman Trial Update: Jury Begins Deliberations; Second-Degree Murder, Manslaughter On The Table

George Zimmerman stands to be convicted of second-degree murder or manslaughter in the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February 2012, as the jury enters their first day of deliberations on Friday. The jury may also find the defendant not guilty, by reason of self-defense.

Zimmerman’s defense team will address the jury Friday morning with their closing remarks. At the conclusion of their argument, the prosecution will have the opportunity for a rebuttal. Then, Seminole County, Fla., Circuit Judge Debra Nelson will give the jury their instructions for evaluating the murder case. According to their instructions, the jury can only convict Zimmerman of second-degree murder if they find he demonstrated “a depraved mind without regard for human life” when he shot and killed Martin.

Nelson ruled on Wednesday that the jury will also be able to consider the lesser charge of manslaughter. Her instructions for the jury read, “to convict of manslaughter by act, it is not necessary for the State to prove that George Zimmerman had an intent to cause death, only an intent to commit an act that was not merely negligent, justified, or excusable and which caused death.”

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The prosecution had argued on Wednesday that third-degree murder should also be on the table, with the underlying felony of child abuse. Nelson declined to grant their request, siding with the defense led by Don West.

On Thursday, prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda delivered the state’s closing arguments, suggesting to the six-member jury panel that they use their common sense in evaluating the case before them. He alleged that Zimmerman not only assumed Martin was a criminal, but initiated the confrontation before deciding to wield his firearm and fatally shoot the high school student. In addition to recalling the testimony of witnesses, including that of Rachel Jeantel, he played audio recordings of Zimmerman for the jury – from his calls into police, his interrogations and even a TV interview.

Zimmerman, who did not testify in the trial, could face up to life in prison if found guilty of second-degree murder. He maintains his innocence, citing self-defense as the reason behind the fatal shooting. The prosecution has argued for Zimmerman's guilt by casting doubt on his story, and alleging he was driven to the murder by over-zealousness and possible racism.

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