SANFORD, Fla.- George Zimmerman is no stranger to the court room and today he finds himself back in the middle of one. The former neighborhood watch volunteer acquitted of murder in the 2012 shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, will testify in the case of a man accused of shooting at him.
Matthew Apperson, 37, of Winter Springs, is facing charges in connection with a road rage dispute that unfolded with Zimmerman last year. Zimmerman told police he was driving in the suburban Lake Mary area when Apperson got behind his truck. The two then drove alongside each other on Lake Mary Boulevard when Apperson began yelling and pulled out a gun.
Apperson shot at Zimmerman as they were driving. Zimmerman was not hit by any bullets, but did suffer some lacerations to his face from the shattered window glass.
According to police, Apperson had a fixation on Zimmerman.
Apperson is charged with attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, shooting into an occupied vehicle and aggravated assault with a firearm.
On Monday attorneys selected a jury to hear the attempted second-degree murder case. The questioning of potential jurors took a good amount of time due to Zimmerman’s notoriety. Opening statements and witness statements are expected to take most of the day.
On Tuesday security at the Seminole County courthouse was ramped up in anticipation of Zimmerman’s appearance. Sheriff’s deputies searched bags and put extra metal detectors in place for anyone attending the trial against the alleged shooter.
Zimmerman’s case in 2012 sparked protests and a national debate about race relations. Since then there have been many race cases between law enforcement and civilians.
Today’s trial is an on going story and this story will be updated as more information becomes available about the trial. Be sure to check back here as News Talk Florida keeps an eye on today’s opening statements.
