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Medical Examiner in Zimmerman Trial: Injuries Were "Not Life Threatening"


July 2, 2013 | WMFE - A medical examiner testifying in George Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial Tuesday described Zimmerman's injuries from the night he shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin as "very insignificant" and "not life threatening." The testimony comes as state attorneys continue their bid to undermine Zimmerman's claim of self-defense.

[Image: George Zimmerman during trial. Courtesy of pool photographer Joe Burbank of the Orlando Sentinel]

Dr. Valerie Rao is the Medical Examiner for the same counties that Zimmerman’s prosecution team usually covers – Duval, Clay and Nassau. She told state attorney John Guy that photos of Zimmerman’s injuries from the night of the shooting didn’t seem to back up Zimmerman’s version of events.

"Are the injuries to the back of the defendant’s head consistent with having been repeatedly slammed into a concrete surface?" asked Guy.

"No," replied Rao.

"Why not?" 

"Because if you look at the injuries, they are so minor that to me, the word 'slam' implies great force, and this, the resultant injuries, are not great force," replied Rao.

At first, Rao said Zimmerman’s injuries on the back of his head appeared to be only from one blow, but under cross-examination from the defense, she admitted it was possible he received several more. 

Prosecutors say Zimmerman profiled, followed and murdered Trayvon Martin, but Zimmerman maintains the teenager attacked him.

 

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