SANFORD, Fla. — Attorney Mark O'Mara received the evidence against George Zimmerman on Monday, who was charged for shooting and killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford.
The State Attorney's Office released hundreds of documents and dozens of CDs with never before seen evidence.
O'Mara told WFTV he was pleased more than 20 witnesses were listed by number only. "The state and I share the same concern, that the witnesses need to be protected, because this is a high profile case, and we don't want any retribution or antagonism with those witnesses."
Prosecutors are required to release the evidence to the defense and the public.
However, WFTV learned that Zimmerman's lawyer, Mark O'Mara, wants Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. to keep some of the key evidence, especially witness statements, out of the public eye by writing a motion to keep it sealed.
"If there are things that are completely irrelevant to the case and might be inflammatory to the public, whether it be positive or negative toward Zimmerman or Trayvon, I might ask the judge to review it," O'Mara said.
O'Mara posted a statement on Zimmerman's website that said, "We doubt any of them (witnesses) enjoy the scrutiny they are under due to the coincidence of their involvement in such a high-profile matter."
"Understand the defense is in no hurry to get this case to trial," said WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer.
Sheaffer said the defense's move could mean there will be longer delays in the media receiving important documents.
"This is a chance for the defense to try and control the flow of information coming out in this case and try to put the best face on it," Sheaffer said.
Zimmerman called 911 reporting that Martin was acting suspiciously, as if he was on drugs. Zimmerman told police he shot Martin in self-defense, after Martin punched him, breaking his nose and sending him to the ground.
He also said the teenager repeatedly struck Zimmerman's head against the sidewalk, and he had head injuries which correspond with some of his story.
But prosecutors said Zimmerman was the aggressor.
Witnesses said they heard repeated screams for help.
The screaming was heard on the 911 calls, and parents of both Zimmerman and Martin are claiming it's their son's voice.
Investigators were not able to determine forensically whose voice it was.
O'Mara's lawyer said he's not releasing any of the evidence he got on Monday until he decides what to ask a judge to seal.
He and prosecutors want the names and addresses of the eyewitnesses kept confidential for their own safety.
Lawyers for both sides in the case have received threats.
Meanwhile, Martin's mother will be able to give her full attention to the upcoming trial, because she is taking an 8-month paid leave from her job in South Florida.
Fellow employees donated nearly $41,000 worth of vacation time to Sybrina Fulton.
Fulton has worked for the Miami-Dade County Housing Authority for 23 years.
Martin's family has helped raise almost $100,000 to start an advocacy group for all victims of injustice and senseless crimes.