Defense Begins First Full Day in Zimmerman Trial

(NECN/NBC News: Sarah Dallof) - Defense attorneys are calling their witnesses to the stand Monday in the trial of George Zimmerman, the man who's pleaded not guilty in the death of Trayvon Martin.

Zimmerman, who's charged with second degree murder, contends he acted in self-defense and the jury could begin deliberations by the end of the week.

It’s a new week and a new chapter in the trial of George Zimmerman as the defense prepares to begin their first full day at the helm.

Through nine days of testimony and 38 witnesses, the prosecution laid out their attempt to show George Zimmerman as an overzealous neighborhood watch volunteer who set into motion a deadly chain of events.

Now it's the defense's turn.

So, far, they've been able to use the prosecution's own witnesses to build a case of a man protecting his own life when he pulled the trigger.

They could wrap up by Wednesday or Thursday.

“I think everyone on the outside, was like ‘wow, looks what's happening with the state witnesses.’ I knew these were not state witnesses or defense witnesses, they were people who saw what they saw and were going to report about it,” said defense attorney Mark O’Mara.

Before resting Friday, prosecutors called Trayvon Martin's mother to the stand to listen to the screams in the background of a 911 call and to identify them.

"Ma'am that screaming, or yelling, do you recognize that?
Sybrina Fulton: “Yes.”
“Who do you recognize that to be?”
Sybrina Fulton: “Trayvon Benjamin Martin"

Jurors also heard testimony from Martin's older brother and the medical examiner who stated Trayvon Martin lived one to 10 minutes after being shot.

When the defense took the reins late Friday, they called George Zimmerman's mother to the stand, who also testified about the 911 call screams.

Defense: "Do you know whose voice that is?”
Gladys Zimmerman: “Yes.”
Defense: “Whose voice was that?”
Gladys: “My son, George."

Two mothers are both swearing under oath the voice belongs to their son, and a jury that must decide who is correct.

The defense did make a customary motion for an acquittal Friday, in what is known as a directed verdict. The judge denied it.

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