JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It's the case that captured national attention: the neighborhood watchman vs. the unarmed teenager. Was it self-defense or second-degree murder?
Now, just days before a big pre-trial hearing in the case against George Zimmerman, his defense team has dropped a bombshell, blasting State Attorney Angela Corey and her office. The defense says the state isn't releasing all its evidence, using words like "haphazard and cavalier" when describing the state's handling of the case.
To get a little perspective on these allegations, we went to local defense attorney, Randy Reep. He said, "That allegation is concerning because you shouldn't be, like I say, hiding the ball trying to figure out what game you're playing. We have a mutual obligation to exchange information."
He said the state is lawfully obligated to provide the defense with the evidence it's uncovered in a timely manner. However, he said it's not uncommon for the defense to have to ask for it, repeatedly. "We shouldn't have to be doing that. Particularly when the defense is having to go against the very powerful state of Florida."
Reep says intentionally withholding evidence is a serious accusation. nd it will be up to a judge to decide if the allegations are true. "If you have information and you're holding it back, particularly if you're holding it back for the purpose of prejudicing the other side, you're walking on thin ice there. And judges, typically, aren't too kind if you're caught doing that."
He went on to say, "Look, Angela Corey's two best attorneys are handling this case. There is never going to be the accusation that they're not doing it well."
Action News did try to contact Corey's office for comment. Our calls were not returned.
The Zimmerman case heads back to court Friday. Count on Action News for complete coverage.
