ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) _ A consortium of media companies, including The Associated Press, is challenging efforts to seal certain documents in the second-degree murder case of the neighborhood watch captain charged with killing Trayvon Martin.
The media companies filed motions Tuesday challenging efforts by both prosecutors and George Zimmerman’s attorney to prevent the release of witness names and statements that the neighborhood watch leader made to police officers.
A hearing is set for Friday.
Prosecutors say Zimmerman’s statements are inconsistent, and Zimmerman’s attorney believes his emails and text messages could prejudice a potential jury.
Both sides also say they worry that potential witnesses will be harassed if their names are released.
The media’s motions say the request by prosecutors and Zimmerman’s attorneys are too broad.
Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense.
