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Anthony Gorgone, a state DNA specialist, gave a detailed rundown of the stains and other evidence he examined. His testimony took up most of the afternoon, and was often full of technical specifics, but jurors appeared to remain engaged in what he had to say.
Trayvon’s DNA was not on the grip of Zimmerman’s pistol, nor was Zimmerman’s DNA found under the teen’s fingernails.
A witness testified Tuesday that Zimmerman told him Trayvon’s hands touched the weapon. Gorgone noted that not all contact leaves behind DNA residue, and that weather could affect DNA preservation.
West spent part of his cross-examination asking Gorgone about how the DNA samples were packaged and handled. Gorgone testified that wet items should be left to dry or “breathe” before being processed for DNA. Trayvon’s hoodie and an inner sweatshirt he was wearing were packaged in plastic bags, leaving them with a moldy odor, he said.
The trial will resume Friday morning in a fifth-floor courtroom in Seminole County. Nelson indicated in court on Wednesday that the state will rest its case this week, and the defense will begin putting on its side. Zimmerman faces up to life in prison if convicted of second-degree murder.
As the state winds down its case against Zimmerman, community groups in South Florida are starting to prepare for possible reactions to the trial's verdict. The Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board and the Miami-Dade Youth Commission are hosting a meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the North Dade Regional Library to discuss activities being planned around the county before and after the verdict. They already have encouraged people to tweet with the hashtag #keepcalmfortrayvon.
The 44 days between Trayvon's death and Zimmerman’s arrest sparked racial protests and marches; the case also led to debate about Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground law.
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