Zimmerman Pleads Not Guilty, Waives Right to Speedy Trial

George Zimmerman, the man who shot and killed Trayvon Martin, has waived his right to a speedy trial on Tuesday, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Experts believe lawyers are prolonging court proceedings in hopes the controversy fades away from national headlines.

By Jorge Rivas May 09, 2012

George Zimmerman, the man who shot and killed Trayvon Martin, has waived his right to a speedy trial on Tuesday, the [Orlando Sentinel reports.](http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-05-08/news/os-george-zimmerman-arraignment-motions-20120508_1_speedy-trial-motions-arraignment-today) Experts believe lawyers are prolonging court proceedings in hopes the controversy fades away from national headlines. Zimmerman, 28, admits he shot Martin, but still claims he did so in self-defense. He pleaded not guilty in court documents, making his appearance unnecessary at Tuesday’s arraignment hearing. In Florida, a defendant is entitled a trial within 175 days of being charged, but Zimmerman’s attorney Mark O’Mara told [ABC News](http://abcnews.go.com/US/george-zimmerman-pleads-guilty-trayvon-martin-murder-charges/story?id=16304854#.T6mJ9J9Yt91) he would try to prolong the process to allow racial tensions and the emotion associated with the case to subside.