Zimmerman, 28, is facing 2nd-degree murder charges for the shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26. During Zimmerman’s first appearance Thursday his attorney Mark O’Mara asked the judge to seal any documents pertaining to the case.
The motion, which was filed by the law firm Holland & Knight, stated sealing of the case would be contrary to law. The motion also stated O’Mara did not provide adequate evidence that the court file should be sealed.
Under Florida law attorneys who request a case to be sealed must provide evidence there will be a threat to the administration of justice, there are no alternatives other than a change of venue, and sealing would protect the rights of the accused person.
Holland & Knight are representing several media companies in the motion including the The New York Times, The Miami Herald, Associated Press, CNN, NBC and USA Today.
Tribune Co., owner of the Orlando Sentinel, and local affiliate WFTV-Channel 9 said they planned to file a similar motion later Monday.