One of the most controversial race trials in US history continues to rage on in Florida. Over the last few days, the last person to speak to Trayvon Martin other than George Zimmerman, Rachel Jeantal, 19, has been on the stand. For months, the identity of the person Martin had been speaking to was unknown, after Jeantel stepped forward, every facet of her life has been investigated.
Here's what you need to know...
1. Rachel Jeantel Heard Trayvon Call George Zimmerman a "Creepy Ass Cracker"
In a bid to prove that it was Trayvon Martin who began the racial tone to the events that unfolded that fateful evening, a defense attorney Don West asked Jeantel if she felt that "creepy ass cracker," was a racial slur? She replied that she didn't feel that it was. Her response has been the subject of much debate in the news media.
2. Jeantel Had A Slew Of Embarrassing Tweets On Her Account Before It Was Cleaned Up
In an attempt to discredit Rachel Jeantel, her Twitter posts were exposed all over the Internet by her detractors. In them, she describes smoking and drinking and even uses derogatory and racial language to refer to acquaintances, according to The Smoking Gun.
According to her Facebook page she does no work — she lists her work as "My mama n daddy do all the work I just spend it." She also lists Miami University, where she is going to school and studying Criminal Justice. The school have no record of her enrollment.
3. She Has Had an Extremely Difficult Time on the Stand
Wednesday and Thursday on the stand for her were not easy. She seemed uninterested, difficult to engage and, sometimes, downright disrespectful. Her attorney said she just didn't want to be there, but while being questioned Wednesday she clearly seemed frustrated with the questions as she said "You. Got. To. Un. Der. Stand," as she described that the reason she did not attend Martin's wake was because she was the last person who had spoken to him and did not want to see the body.
But Jeantel was able to turn the tables slightly on Don West on June 27 by criticizing him for canceling a scheduled interview the two had at short notice.
4. The Defense Played Off the Difficulty to Understand Jeantel
In what would appear to have been a cruel strategy, defense attorneys have been making reference to the difficulty members of the court may have in understanding Jeantel's understated way of speaking. Her use of the word "retarded," have been criticized in some sections of the media, reports The Daily News.
5. Supporters Took To Twitter To Express Their Feelings On Jeantel
Some people on social media have been supporting, and making fun of, Jeantel, saying she's strong and/or stupid.
My mind is really on #RachaelJeantel I wish her the best in life & I pray that she is able to move past this situation & live peacefully.
— Carlos D. Matthews (@ProfCDMatthews) June 27, 2013
Retweet if you appreciate #rachaeljeantel
— karmen strickland (@karmenpiper) June 27, 2013
@CNN don west isn't steam rolling over her becz she's not stupid! Inarticulaten but not stupid! @vinniepolitan #rachaeljeantel a hero!
— karmen strickland (@karmenpiper) June 27, 2013
#Rachaeljeantel smh your making so many blk girls look bad & don't even know! Still screaming #justicefortrayvon
— Be Eaasyyy, (@loveandmar2) June 27, 2013
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