The fatal shooting of Miami Gardens teen Trayvon Martin sparks a national outcry
Media Fights Efforts to Seal Zimmerman Records
13 media companies is challenging prosecutors' request to seal discovery materials
Thursday, May 31, 2012 | Updated 8:59 AM EDT
AP
George Zimmerman appears before Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Lester Jr. Friday, April 20, 2012, during a bond hearing in Sanford, Fla. Lester says Zimmerman can be released on $150,000 bail as he awaits trial for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of Martin. He claims self-defense. (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Gary W. Green, Pool)
A consortium of 13 media companies, including The Associated Press, is challenging efforts to seal certain documents in the second-degree murder case of the neighborhood watch volunteer charged with killing Trayvon Martin.
The list includes most of Florida's major media organizations. The motions filed Tuesday challenged efforts by both prosecutors and George Zimmerman's attorney to prevent the release of witness names and statements that he made to police officers.
A hearing is set for Friday.
Prosecutors say Zimmerman's statements are inconsistent, and Zimmerman's attorney believes his emails and text messages could prejudice potential jurors.
Both sides also say they worry that witnesses will be harassed if their names are released.
The media's motions say the attorneys' requests are too broad.
Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense.
More on the Trayvon Martin case.
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