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George Zimmerman trial: LAPD plans no extra officers for verdict

Tonnetta Foster of Sanford, Fla., is stunned by the verdict.
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Tonnetta Foster of Sanford, Fla., is stunned by the verdict.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Supporters of slain teen Trayvon Martin react in disbelief and anger to the not guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman trial in Sanford, Fla.
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Supporters of slain teen Trayvon Martin react in disbelief and anger to the not guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman trial in Sanford, Fla.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
A crowd gathers at the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford, Fla., as the verdict is read in the trial of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, was found not guilty. He said he had shot Martin in self-defense.
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A crowd gathers at the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford, Fla., as the verdict is read in the trial of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, was found not guilty. He said he had shot Martin in self-defense.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Backers of slain teen Trayvon Martin called for National protests after the verdict.
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Backers of slain teen Trayvon Martin called for National protests after the verdict.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Attorneys Natalie Jackson, left, Benjamin Crump, and Daryl Parks sit in for Trayvon Martin's family during George Zimmerman's trial. Jurors found Zimmerman not guilty of second degree murder in the shooting of Martin last year in Sanford, Fla.
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Attorneys Natalie Jackson, left, Benjamin Crump, and Daryl Parks sit in for Trayvon Martin’s family during George Zimmerman’s trial. Jurors found Zimmerman not guilty of second degree murder in the shooting of Martin last year in Sanford, Fla.   (Gary W. Green / Associated Press)
George Zimmerman is congratulated by his defense team after being found not guilty of murder in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, had acknowledged shooting Martin in a gated community but said it was self-defense.
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George Zimmerman is congratulated by his defense team after being found not guilty of murder in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, had acknowledged shooting Martin in a gated community but said it was self-defense.   (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
George Zimmerman looks down as the not-guilty verdict is read. From left are attorneys Mark O'Mara, Don West and Lorna Truett.
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George Zimmerman looks down as the not-guilty verdict is read. From left are attorneys Mark O’Mara, Don West and Lorna Truett.  (Joe Burban / McClatchy-Tribune)
Demonstrators react to the not guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman at the courthouse in Sanford, Fla.
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Demonstrators react to the not guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman at the courthouse in Sanford, Fla.   (Brian Blanc / European Pressphoto Agency)
Demonstrators react to the not guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fla.
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Demonstrators react to the not guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fla.   (Brian Blanc / European Pressphoto Agency)
Demonstrators react to the not guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fla.
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Demonstrators react to the not guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fla.   (Brian Blanco / European Pressphoto Agency)
Denica Crawford, right, and her cousin Jekeem Burk listen for news of the verdict.
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Denica Crawford, right, and her cousin Jekeem Burk listen for news of the verdict.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Shawn Caldwell, of Jacksonville, Fla., is pushed back by Seminole County sheriff's deputies after a heated exchange of comments with another person in a crowd awaiting a verdict in the George Zimmerman trial in Sanford, Fla.
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Shawn Caldwell, of Jacksonville, Fla., is pushed back by Seminole County sheriff’s deputies after a heated exchange of comments with another person in a crowd awaiting a verdict in the George Zimmerman trial in Sanford, Fla.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
"I'm a black guy and a white guy. We're all the same," says David Turner, of Sanford, who was waiting at the courthouse with others for a verdict in George Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial in the death of teen Trayvon Martin.
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“I’m a black guy and a white guy. We’re all the same,” says David Turner, of Sanford, who was waiting at the courthouse with others for a verdict in George Zimmerman’s second-degree murder trial in the death of teen Trayvon Martin.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
A supporter of George Zimmerman demonstrates outside the courthouse in Sanford, Fla., where a crowd awaits a jurty's verdict. Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Marton. Zimmerman contends it was self-defense.
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A supporter of George Zimmerman demonstrates outside the courthouse in Sanford, Fla., where a crowd awaits a jurty’s verdict. Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Marton. Zimmerman contends it was self-defense.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Others in the crowd show their support for Martin, who was staying at a gated Sanford community when his fatal confrontation with Zimmerman occurred last year.
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Others in the crowd show their support for Martin, who was staying at a gated Sanford community when his fatal confrontation with Zimmerman occurred last year.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Ed Wilson, of Sanford, came to the Seminole County courthouse for the first time on Saturday, the first full day of jury deliberations in the case. "My emphasis is peace and love. We've always been a peaceful community here in Seminole. Now it's up to the six women" on the jury, he said.
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Ed Wilson, of Sanford, came to the Seminole County courthouse for the first time on Saturday, the first full day of jury deliberations in the case. “My emphasis is peace and love. We’ve always been a peaceful community here in Seminole. Now it’s up to the six women” on the jury, he said.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Eight-month-old Khaleel James rests in the shade next to his mother, Christina King, of Orlando, Fla., as a crowd awaits a verdict.
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Eight-month-old Khaleel James rests in the shade next to his mother, Christina King, of Orlando, Fla., as a crowd awaits a verdict.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Cynthia Bradford, from Syracuse, N.Y., is among those awaiting a verdict. She said her nephew was killed 19 years ago at Syracuse University.
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Cynthia Bradford, from Syracuse, N.Y., is among those awaiting a verdict. She said her nephew was killed 19 years ago at Syracuse University.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Laurie Isom, Sanford, brought her two children to the courthouse to take part in the rally on behalf of Martin, the dead teen. "I want my kids to see this, to know what freedom of speech is and to show support for Trayvon Martin," she said.
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Laurie Isom, Sanford, brought her two children to the courthouse to take part in the rally on behalf of Martin, the dead teen. “I want my kids to see this, to know what freedom of speech is and to show support for Trayvon Martin,” she said.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Tatiandra Taylor, a U.S. Army veteran from Orlando, came to show her support for Martin in the case.
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Tatiandra Taylor, a U.S. Army veteran from Orlando, came to show her support for Martin in the case.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Trayvon Martin, seen in an undated photo, was killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman on Feb. 26 while walking through a gated community in Sanford, Fla. Martin was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and carrying a cellphone, a bag of Skittles and an iced tea. More: Martin was talking on cellphone with his girlfriend
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Trayvon Martin, seen in an undated photo, was killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman on Feb. 26 while walking through a gated community in Sanford, Fla. Martin was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and carrying a cellphone, a bag of Skittles and an iced tea.

More: Martin was talking on cellphone with his girlfriend  (Associated Press)
On April 11, George Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. "I can tell you we did not come to this decision lightly," the Florida state attorney told reporters. "We do not prosecute by public pressure." More: Death threats, Zimmerman in hiding
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On April 11, George Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. “I can tell you we did not come to this decision lightly,” the Florida state attorney told reporters. “We do not prosecute by public pressure.”

More: Death threats, Zimmerman in hiding   (Associated Press)
This video frame shows suspect George Zimmerman as he is questioned by investigators in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. The interrogation took place on Feb. 27, the day after the shooting. Zimmerman was then released, with police later claiming they had insufficient evidence to make an arrest. More: Zimmerman called police on night of shooting, was told to stay away
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This video frame shows suspect George Zimmerman as he is questioned by investigators in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. The interrogation took place on Feb. 27, the day after the shooting. Zimmerman was then released, with police later claiming they had insufficient evidence to make an arrest.

More: Zimmerman called police on night of shooting, was told to stay away  (AFP / Getty Images)
A Feb. 27 photo released by the Florida state attorney's office showed George Zimmerman with head wounds that he said he suffered in a fight with Trayvon Martin. The photo was among evidence released by prosecutors that also included calls to police, video and numerous other documents. More: Medical report shows broken nose, two black eyes
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A Feb. 27 photo released by the Florida state attorney’s office showed George Zimmerman with head wounds that he said he suffered in a fight with Trayvon Martin. The photo was among evidence released by prosecutors that also included calls to police, video and numerous other documents.

More: Medical report shows broken nose, two black eyes  (Associated Press / State Attorney’s Office)
A photo from the Florida state attorney shows the hoodie Travon Martin was wearing at the time of his death. That hoodie sparked its own controversy. Those who spoke up included Geraldo Rivera, who later apologized -- sort of. More: "I think the hoodie is as much responsible for Trayvon Martin¿s death as George Zimmerman was"
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A photo from the Florida state attorney shows the hoodie Travon Martin was wearing at the time of his death. That hoodie sparked its own controversy. Those who spoke up included Geraldo Rivera, who later apologized -- sort of.

More: “I think the hoodie is as much responsible for Trayvon Martin¿s death as George Zimmerman was”   (Associated Press / State Attorney’s Office)
A makeshift memorial outside the gated community where Trayvon Martin was shot to death was still holding up when this photo was taken on March 20, but it gradually deteriorated. The items were moved to a local museum.
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A makeshift memorial outside the gated community where Trayvon Martin was shot to death was still holding up when this photo was taken on March 20, but it gradually deteriorated. The items were moved to a local museum.  (Red Huber / Orlando Sentinel)
On March 21, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon's parents, took part in a New York City rally to protest police handling of the case.
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On March 21, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon’s parents, took part in a New York City rally to protest police handling of the case.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee announced on March 22 that he would temporarily step down in the wake of the Trayvon Martin killing. The police department had been criticized heavily for releasing George Zimmerman after he admitted to killing Martin, among other things. More: Police chief gets a vote of no confidence after killing
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Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee announced on March 22 that he would temporarily step down in the wake of the Trayvon Martin killing. The police department had been criticized heavily for releasing George Zimmerman after he admitted to killing Martin, among other things.

More: Police chief gets a vote of no confidence after killing   (Mario Tama / Getty Images)
In this image posted to Miami Heat basketball player LeBron James' Twitter page on March 22, Miami Heat players wear team hoodies in solidarity with Trayvon Martin.
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In this image posted to Miami Heat basketball player LeBron James’ Twitter page on March 22, Miami Heat players wear team hoodies in solidarity with Trayvon Martin.  (LeBron James via Twitter / Associated Press)
President Obama spoke out on the case in late March, offering sympathy to Martin's parents. More:"When I think about this boy I think about my own kids"
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President Obama spoke out on the case in late March, offering sympathy to Martin’s parents.

More:“When I think about this boy I think about my own kids”  (Haraz N. Ghanbari / Associated Press)
Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, Trayvon Martin's parents, attend a House briefing in Washington on March 27. Tracy Martin called for supporters to continue working to make sure his son "did not die in vain."
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Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, Trayvon Martin’s parents, attend a House briefing in Washington on March 27. Tracy Martin called for supporters to continue working to make sure his son “did not die in vain.”  (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)
Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) wore a hoodie on the floor of the House of Representatives on March 28 as he spoke out against the slaying of Trayvon Martin. More: Rep. Rush received a reprimand for violating rules on wearing hats in the House chamber
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Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) wore a hoodie on the floor of the House of Representatives on March 28 as he spoke out against the slaying of Trayvon Martin.

More: Rep. Rush received a reprimand for violating rules on wearing hats in the House chamber  (Associated Press / House Television)
The Rev. Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Benjamin Crump, attorney for the Trayvon Martin family, join together in Sanford on March 26. More: Demanding George Zimmerman be arrested
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The Rev. Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Benjamin Crump, attorney for the Trayvon Martin family, join together in Sanford on March 26.

More: Demanding George Zimmerman be arrested  (Roberto Gonzalez / Getty Images)
George Zimmerman arrives in shackles for his bond hearing on April 20. He told the parents of Trayvon Martin that he was sorry for fatally shooting their son, and his bail was set at $150,000. More: Surprise witness: Authorities do not know who started the fight
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George Zimmerman arrives in shackles for his bond hearing on April 20. He told the parents of Trayvon Martin that he was sorry for fatally shooting their son, and his bail was set at $150,000.

More: Surprise witness: Authorities do not know who started the fight  (Gary W. Green / Associated Press)
In this June 3 photo, George Zimmerman returns to jail after a judge revoked his bail. More: Zimmerman accused of misrepresenting his finances, having second passport
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In this June 3 photo, George Zimmerman returns to jail after a judge revoked his bail.

More: Zimmerman accused of misrepresenting his finances, having second passport  (Joshua C. Cruey / Associated Press)
George Zimmerman leaves Seminole County Jail on July 6 after posting $1 million bail The judge agreed to release Zimmerman on condition that he wear a tracking device, stay within Seminole County, and accept a curfew. Zimmerman also was prohibited from opening a bank account, obtaining a passport or going to the airport. More: A scathing order from judge in Trayvon Martin case
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George Zimmerman leaves Seminole County Jail on July 6 after posting $1 million bail The judge agreed to release Zimmerman on condition that he wear a tracking device, stay within Seminole County, and accept a curfew. Zimmerman also was prohibited from opening a bank account, obtaining a passport or going to the airport.

More: A scathing order from judge in Trayvon Martin case  (Roberto Gonzalez / Getty Images)
The Rev. Al Sharpton, with Trayvon Martin's parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, speaks out against the judge's decision to allow bail. Fulton said she was disappointed.
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The Rev. Al Sharpton, with Trayvon Martin’s parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, speaks out against the judge’s decision to allow bail. Fulton said she was disappointed.  (Matthew Hinton / Associated Press)
The defense claimed that Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. was biased against George Zimmerman. They sought to disqualify Lester from the case. More: Judge says no, I won't disqualify myself
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The defense claimed that Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. was biased against George Zimmerman. They sought to disqualify Lester from the case.

More: Judge says no, I won’t disqualify myself  (Red Huber / Orlando Sentinel / Associated Press)
Apollonia Mitchell, Shenika Mitchell and Yolanda Pearson, from left, gather with others for a candlelight vigil at Fort Mellon Park in Sanford, Fla. to mark the one year anniversary of when Trayvon Martin was killed.
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Apollonia Mitchell, Shenika Mitchell and Yolanda Pearson, from left, gather with others for a candlelight vigil at Fort Mellon Park in Sanford, Fla. to mark the one year anniversary of when Trayvon Martin was killed.   (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
Florida Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson rules that Zimmerman's defense team cannot delay the trial further. Zimmerman is set to stand trial in June for second-degree murder.
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Florida Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson rules that Zimmerman’s defense team cannot delay the trial further. Zimmerman is set to stand trial in June for second-degree murder.

More: Judge declines stay; case to proceed in June  (Joe Burbank / Associated Press)
George Zimmerman, 29, right, fatally shot Trayvon Martin, then 17, last year in the Sanford, Fla., gated community where Zimmerman lived and where Martin was visiting his father. Above, Zimmerman at a pretrial hearing.
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The murder trial of George Zimmerman begins. Above, Zimmerman attends a pretrial hearing.

More: Trial to begin in Trayvon Martin case  (Joe Burbank / Pool Photo)
By Andrew Blankstein
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Los Angeles Police Department officials are monitoring the jury deliberations in the Tryvon Martin case but have no plans at this time to beef up patrols when the verdict comes in.

George Zimmerman, 29, who has a mixed ethnic background but has been identified as white, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with shooting Martin, an unarmed African American teenager.

The Florida jury began deliberations in Friday afternoon. They began a second day of deliberations Saturday.

LAPD sources said the department already has hefty deployments out during the summer months and there has been intelligence to suggest unrest would follow the verdict in the Los Angeles area.

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In Sanford, Fla., where the trial is taking place, officials have urged calm after the verdicts are read.

At midday Friday, Seminole County Sheriff Donald Eslinger, who is white, stood beside new Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith, who is black; each wore a dark suit and tie. Eslinger spoke first to reporters gathered in a vacant courtroom, including the Los Angeles Times.

“The lives of two families have forever been altered and our hearts and prayers go out to both,” he said, noting that local authorities “want to ensure the proceedings are carried out without interruption.”

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