ORLANDO (AP) — Forensic tests made public Wednesday show that George Zimmerman's was the only DNA that could be identified on the grip of the gun used to fatally shoot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
The results rule out Trayvon's DNA from being on the gun's grip. Zimmerman's DNA also was identified on the gun's holster but no determination could be made as to whether Trayvon's DNA was on the holster, according to the report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting Trayvon during a confrontation in a gated community in Sanford in February. Zimmerman is pleading not guilty, claiming self-defense under Florida’s “stand your ground” law.
A delay in Zimmerman's arrest led to nationwide protests.
The question of whose DNA is on the gun and holster could play a role in Zimmerman's defense.
Zimmerman says Trayvon had been on top of him, slamming his head against the ground and smothering his mouth and nose with his hand and arm and grabbed his gun from a holster on his waist before Trayvon could get it. He shot the teenager once in the chest.
Other documents released by prosecutors Wednesday include an interview with the clerk of a convenience store where Trayvon purchased candy and a can of iced tea moments before his confrontation with Zimmerman. The clerk said in the interview, more than a month after Martin was shot, that he didn't remember Trayvon.
“To be honest, I don't even remember that day," said the clerk, whose name was redacted from the audio interview.
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