George Zimmerman Trial Date: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Trayvon Martin Case Starts

The murder trial of George Zimmerman is set to start on June 10. Zimmerman, 29, is charged with second degree murder stemming from an altercation that ended in the shooting death of 17 year-old Trayvon Martin. Here are the essential things that one should know before the trial starts.

1. Trayvon Martin was walking back from a 7-11 store with a package of skittles and an Arizona iced tea to his father's fiancée's house. George Zimmerman, a captain of the neighborhood watch, called 911 while following Martin. He told dispatchers, "This guy looks like he's up to no good, or he's on drugs or something." A confrontation happened between the two, causing neighbors to call 911; Martin was shot and killed, according to CNN.

2. George Zimmerman argues that he shot Martin in self-defense, and was injured in the altercation. Officers on the scene noted that Zimmerman had swelling on his face and he had been bleeding from his nose. Zimmerman refused medical attention when it was offered to him. A few weeks later investigators received a fax from Altamonte Family Practice stating that Zimmerman had suffered a cut to the scalp and a broken nose, according to CNN.

3. Martin had no wounds other than a small scrape on his finger and the bullet wound. Police checked Martin's body to see if he had any of Zimmerman's DNA under his fingernails, which is often a sign of a struggle. Investigators found no sign of Zimmerman's DNA, according to CNN.

4. The defense will not be allowed to mention allegations of Martin's marijuana use nor can they use text messages that Martin had written before his death. There was a trace amount of THC found in the system of Martin at the time of his death. The defense had produced text messages sent by Martin that had discussed marijuana use and fights the teen had been involved in, they will not be admissible in court, Time reports.

5. A voice can be heard screaming for help on the tape of a 911 call made by a neighbor. Martin's family has argued that the voice is Martin; Zimmerman's defense has said that it is Zimmerman. Judge Debra Nelson has not yet decided if the testimony of voice experts will be admissible to the trial, the 911 rape is a key piece of evidence for the prosecution, according to ABC News.