Trayvon Martin's father asks for prayers as jury selection begins in Zimmerman trial

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The father of Trayvon Martin asked for prayers and appealed for peace Monday as potential jurors filed into a Florida courthouse for the trial of George Zimmerman, charged with second-degree murder in the teenager’s shooting death.

“We ask that the community continue to stay peaceful as we place our faith in the justice system,” said the father, Tracy Martin, speaking to reporters in an empty courtroom.

He said the family was relieved that the trial was beginning, and later added: “We ask that you continue to pray for Trayvon and our family.”

As the potential jurors showed up, Judge Debra Nelson denied a defense motion to delay the trial. Defense lawyer Mark O’Mara had told her: “We’re not fully ready.”

Six jurors will hear the case. Picking them, plus alternates, is expected to take roughly two weeks.

Editor’s note: George Zimmerman has sued NBCUniversal for defamation. The company has strongly denied his allegations.

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