Trial Of George Zimmerman Begins

The trial of George Zimmerman has begun and his own lawyer started it off with, of all things, a knock knock joke. INSIDE EDITION has the story.

The bombshells already started at the George Zimmerman trial. His lawyer told a knock-knock joke.

The bizarre moment came during opening statements and the reaction was instantaneous.

One blogger wrote, "Zimmerman's attorney crashed and burned with his knock-knock joke."

Lawyer Don West went on to tell the jury that his client did not murder 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

"He shot Trayvon Martin in self defense after being viciously attacked," West said.

The prosecutor painted a very different picture of Trayvon's death and had some surprises of his own in his opening statement.

He used curse words. The same words Zimmerman allegedly used when he saw Trayvon Martin walking around his gated community in Sanford, Florida.

Trayvon Martin's father, Tracy, wiped his eyes as the lawyers described his son's death. Trayvon's mother, Sybrina, sat beside him.

Zimmerman's parents were asked to leave the courtroom because they may be called as witnesses.

CBS News Legal Analyst Jack Ford spoke to INSIDE EDITION about the case.  

"The prosecution is at a bit of a disadvantage because the only eyewitness who still remains alive is the defendant," Ford said.

Meanwhile, the city of Sanford is trying to heal. We went along as the new police chief, Cecil Smith hit the streets himself going door-to-door, working hard to mend fences with a community where many don't have much faith in the police.

"We're trying to make a difference where, before, it wasn't happening," Smith said.

Zimmerman would face 25 years in jail if convicted. It is unclear whether or not he will take the stand.