The first week of testimony in the George Zimmerman murder trial was jam packed with information. It ended a week of testimony that showed the deep divide between the two different narratives of what happened on that rainy night. Testimony was given that supported both the prosecution's theory that Zimmerman profiled and stalked Martin prior to killing him and the defense's theory that Martin was the aggressor and that Zimmerman had no other choice but to shoot the teenager. Here are the five most important things that were revealed in the first week of the compelling murder trial.
1. No one is sure who was on top during the altercation between Zimmerman and Martin.
Testimony regarding which man was on top of the other during the scuffle preceding the shooting has been wildly contradictory. Selma Mora, a neighbor who witnessed the fight, said that she saw one man on top of the other "like a rider." She couldn't identify the man on top as Zimmerman but was sure that he was wearing red; Zimmerman was wearing a red jacket. John Good, who many assume will be the star witness for the defense, testified that he saw a black man on top "throwing down blows on the guy, MMA-style," according to the Orlando Sentinel.
2. The defense's opening statement was bizarre.
Defense attorney Don West decided to open up the trial with a knock-knock joke about how difficult it was to seat a jury. Making matters worse West tried to defend the joke once it was met by a deafening silence in the court room. The awkward situation became fodder for that night's episode of the "Daily Show."
3. Rachel Jeantel may have not been the perfect witness but her testimony never wavered.
A lot of media attention was given to Jeantel's borderline surly demeanor during her first day of testimony, especially during hours of cross examination conducted by West. Jeantel did admit to two previous lies during her testimony; she lied about her age and why she had missed Martin's funeral. Yet in over seven hours on the stand she never changed her story once; Zimmerman was the aggressor who followed Martin and shortly before her phone cut off Martin yelled, "get off!"
4. Zimmerman was remarkably calm after the shooting.
Jonathan Manalo was the first civilian to encounter Zimmerman after the shooting and he testified that while Zimmerman was bloody and looked like he had been in a fight he did not appear shocked and acted calmly. Manalo called Zimmerman's wife, at his request, and while explaining the situation Zimmerman cut him off and bluntly said, "Just tell her I shot someone," according to ABC News.
5. Martin's body was not in the position Zimmerman said he had put it in when police arrived.
Testimony from Manalo and another police witness described Martin's hands as being under his body which was face down on the grass. This is a key point for the prosecution because Zimmerman has said that after shooting Martin he climbed on top of the teenager and spread his arms out, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The prosecution will continue calling witnesses when the trial resumes on Monday. The state has yet to call either of Martin's parents or the lead investigator from the Sanford Police.
