SANFORD, Fla., Feb. 19 (UPI) — Shellie Zimmerman, wife of George Zimmerman, accused murderer of Trayvon Martin, was told in a Sanford, Fla., court her perjury charge would not be dismissed.
According to prosecutors, Zimmerman, 25, lied at her husband’s Apr. 20 bond hearing when she testified the couple had no money.
The couple’s financial records indicated $130,000 was contributed by online donors contributing to George Zimmerman’s defense fund, the Orlando, Fla., Sentinel reported Tuesday.
George Zimmerman, a Sanford neighborhood watch volunteer, is accused of killing Martin, 17, an unarmed, black pedestrian a year ago.
Defense attorney Kelly Sims asked Circuit Judge Marlene Alva to dismiss the perjury count, arguing that his client’s testimony occurred in Seminole County, Fla., and not Jacksonville, where special prosecutor and State Attorney Angela Corey charged Zimmerman with perjury, and that Corey did not have jurisdiction.
Prosecutor John I. Guy responded that the executive order signed by Gov. Rick Scott, naming Corey special prosecutor, authorized Corey to investigate and prosecute “all matters pertaining to the death of Trayvon Martin,” including all of Zimmerman’s statements.
Judge Alva sided with the prosecution, saying in court Tuesday the executive order was adequately broad.
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