Defense Calls Combat Expert To The Stand In Zimmerman Trial

The defense called in a combat expert and used a life-sized dummy to try to make the case that George Zimmerman had no choice but to fire his gun. INSIDE EDITION reports.

A life-size dummy was used in a dramatic demonstration at the trial of George Zimmerman Wednesday.

Trayvon Martin's mom watched as prosecutor John Guy placed the dummy on the floor and straddled it to illustrate the moment her son was shot.

Guy said in court, "Would it be consistent, the 90 degrees, if Trayvon Martin had been backing up and the defendant raised his gun and shot at 90 degrees?"

Then, defense attorney Mark O'Mara mimicked the blows Zimmerman says he received, slamming the dummy's head on the floor.

O'Mara asked "Would the injuries on Mr. Zimmerman's, the back of his head be consistent with someone doing this [pounding the dummy's head] on cement?"

"I don't think so," said the defense witness.

The defense witness, a police combat expert, testified that once the fight started, Zimmerman had no option but to fire his gun.

"I don't know what else he could have done based on his abilities. Not to be offensive to Mr. Zimmerman, he doesn't seem to have any," said the witness.

And there was a heated exchange between Judge Debra Nelson and defense attorney, Don West. It happened as the judge asked Zimmerman if he has decided whether to testify.

"Have you made a decision as to whether or not you want to testify in the case?" asked Judge Nelson.

West said, "I object to that question. I think that's..."

"Overruled. The court is entitled to inquire if Mr. Zimmerman's detemination as to whether or not he wants to testify. Mr. Zimmerman, have you made a decision as to whether or not you want to testify in this case?" asked Judge Nelson.

"Not at this time," replied Zimmerman.

West said, "I object to the court inquiring of Mr. Zimmerman as to his decision about whether or not to testify."

"Your objection is overruled!" said the judge.

The judge finally agreed to give Zimmerman more time.
    
Meanwhile, the judge ruled that jurors will not be allowed to see troubling text messages found on Trayvon's Martin's phone referring to a fight he had after school.

A friend texted him: "What happened to ya?"

Trayvon replied: "Fight. 'cos man that (blank) snitched on me. I lost the first round but I won the 2d & 3d."

The friend asks him: "Y u always fighting?"

The defense claims the texts show Trayvon had a history of getting into fights.
 
"Denying Mr. Zimmerman the right to present this information violates both the Florida and U.S. Constitution," said West.

But the judge ruled the texts inadmissible.

The defense will be allowed to show the jury an animated reconstruction of the shooting, but only during closing remarks.

Despite those setbacks for the defense, lawyer Jose Baez who succesfully defended Casey Anthony, says the defense has created enough reasonable doubt to win an acquittal of both murder and manslaughter.   

Baez told INSIDE EDITION, "It's a walk in the park. I've said from the very beginning that a first year law student can win this case."