SANFORD -- Before jury selection was scheduled to get under way today for George Zimmerman, who stands accused of murdering 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, Tracy Martin, father of the shooting victim, addressed the media, saying he and the boy's mother were "relieved" the trial is now a reality.
Speaking in an empty courtroom at the Seminole County Courthouse, which served as a media staging area, Martin, with his former wife by his side, said they were "relieved the start of the trial is here with the jury selection as we seek justice for our son, Trayvon."
Martin made it clear they were seeking "a fair and impartial trial" while asking citizens looking on through media coverage to "stay peaceful as we place our faith in the justice system and ask that the community do the same."
Though shaking a little, Trayvon's mom, Sybrina Fulton, stood quietly by her former's husband's side as he asked extended family and friends to "continue to pray for us -- continue to keep us safe in God's arms," and that everyone continues to "pray for Trayvon and our family."
Tracy Martin spoke for less than a minute, ending his comments with a "thank you," the only two words echoed by the somber mother.
Standing on her other side was family attorney Benjamin Crump, who also thanked the public through the video feed from an In Session/CNN camera adding, "We seek peace for justice."