George Zimmerman News of the Day

Evidence made public today in the murder trial of George Zimmerman includes graphic, tearful testimony (heads up -- audio link is a tough listen) from a woman who says Zimmerman sexually abused her for a decade, starting when they were children. The woman, identified as Witness 9, says Zimmerman "always was just, you know, very charming and personable with everyone … and just would laugh and entertain everybody... But he was different behind closed doors with me":

It started when I was 6, he's almost about two years older than I am. He would put his hands under my pants, under my underwear. He would put his hands down my shirt and just rub and grab my chest. We would all lay in front of the TV and he would reach under the blankets and try to do things. … I would try to push him off, but he was bigger and stronger and older.

Witness 9 spoke with Sanford, FL, police in March. She said she only came forward after the February shooting death of Trayvon Martin because "this is the first time in my life that I'm not afraid of him." Mark O'Mara, Zimmerman's attorney, had tried to keep the interview from being released. He argues, naturally, that it "is not relevant" to the case, and will "serve to reignite and potentially enhance the widespread public hostility toward Mr. Zimmerman." [dailyintel]