Circuit Judge Debra Nelson granted a defense motion to extend the timeline for securing the anonymity of jurors in the George Zimmerman trial on Monday.
Judge Nelson did not say for how long anonymity would be extended to jurors. She previously ruled that jurors’ names would be kept anonymous until after a jury reaches a verdict.
Judge Nelson said Monday that she would consider the length of the extension after the verdict is reached. Defense attorney Mark O’Mara has asked for a six-month extension.
A hearing on expert testimony about the voices heard on a 911 call in the case resumed Monday afternoon.
Earlier Monday, jury selection for the Zimmerman trial continued as prosecutors and defense attorneys continued to question potential jurors.
Three men and one woman were interviewed Monday morning. As of Friday, at least 28 potential jurors had gone through the initial round of questioning, which was focused solely on pretrial publicity.
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the February 2012 shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. He has pleaded not guilty, saying he acted in self-defense.
Attorneys are working to build a pool of 40 potential jurors, out of the 500 summoned, before additional questioning.
Judge Nelson said Thursday that the jury that will eventually be selected to hear the Zimmerman case will be sequestered for the duration of the trial.