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Closing arguments to begin in George Zimmerman’s murder trial for killing teen

George Zimmerman leaves the courtroom during a recess in his trial in Seminole circuit court in Sanford, Fla. Wednesday, July 10, 2013. Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder for the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin. (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Gary W. Green, Pool)

SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — Attorneys in George Zimmerman’s second-degree murder trial will be making their closing arguments.

George Zimmerman leaves the courtroom during a recess in his trial in Seminole circuit court in Sanford, Fla. Wednesday, July 10, 2013. Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder for the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin. (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Gary W. Green, Pool)

Judge Debra Nelson told prosecutors and defense attorneys they should plan on starting closing arguments Thursday.

The judge also said the six jurors could begin deliberating as early as Friday.

Zimmerman’s defense attorneys rested Wednesday after calling 18 witnesses over four days.

Defense attorney Mark O’Mara told CNN there’s “overwhelming evidence” that Zimmerman acted in self-defense when he fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, but he worries about jurors returning “a compromise verdict.” Some legal analysts have suggested the jury could convict him of the lesser offense of manslaughter.

Zimmerman is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder.

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