A judge has denied a request by George Zimmerman's attorneys to delay a hearing to decide whether Zimmerman was acting in self-defense the night he shot and killed Trayvon Martin.
Zimmerman's attorneys requested a hearing Thursday at the Seminole County Courthouse, hoping to delay his "stand your ground" hearing, in which the judge will decide if there is enough evidence to go to trial, or if the case should be dismissed.
Judge Debra Nelson said that hearing must be held by the end of April.
The defense may ask for that immunity hearing to be held during the trial, because Zimmerman’s defense attorney says, he needs more time to prepare.
Zimmerman has claimed he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February 2012.
Zimmerman’s defense attorneys and the prosecution were able to both agree on at least one thing.
Both sides want 500 people to choose from to seat a jury for Zimmerman’s trial. The two sides also discussed plans for jury selection.
Five hundred Seminole County residents are expected to get that call for jury duty in April.
“I think it’s going to be very difficult. I think we are truly under the gun timewise right now,” said O’Mara.
George Zimmerman was not present at Thursday’s status hearing. Another hearing is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 22, when the timing for the stand your ground hearing will be discussed.