- The Washington Times - Thursday, July 11, 2013

George Zimmerman put to rest weeks of speculation on Wednesday, telling a Florida judge he won’t testify in his defense of second-degree murder for the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin.

“What is your decision sir,” Judge Debra Nelson asked of Mr. Zimmerman, ABC reported.

“After consulting with counsel, not to testify your honor,” Mr. Zimmerman said. And the defense immediately rested its case, ABC said.

Attorneys for Mr. Zimmerman, 29, have argued he shot the 17-year-old in February in an act of self-defense. He faces a prison term of 25 years to life, if convicted.

Prosecutors said they will bring to the stand a couple of rebuttal witnesses, but the judge said the case would likely be sent to the jury by Friday afternoon, ABC reported.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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