(AllHipHop News) Rachel Jeantel’s testimony during last year’s trial over the murder of Trayvon Martin drew attention for the wrong reasons. Jeantel spoke about George Zimmerman’s acquittal for the first time since the decision was made and assumes some of the culpability for the decision.
Jeantel’s phone conversation with Trayvon Martin on February 26th, 2013 was the last time Martin would be recorded speaking to another person. According to Jeantel in an interview with CNN, “a little bit” of the blame for Zimmerman’s acquittal is placed on her due to her manner of speaking during her cross examination in late June of last year. Jeantel alleges that the jury invalidated her testimony by assumptions made about her based on her speech and attire.
At the time, Jeantel could not read or write past a third grade level. Attorney Rod Vereen claims Jeantel was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following the death of Martin and enrolled her into The Village, a program which provides counseling and tutoring. This past May, less than a year after her controversial testimony, Jeantel graduated with a High School diploma.
Check out Rachel Jeantel’s full interview with CNN below: