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George Zimmerman’s defense has released texts and photos of Trayvon Martin in an attempt to cast the late teen in a bad light. Zimmerman is charged with murdering the 17-year-old after a confrontation in a gated community in Sanford, Fla. in February 2012.

The accused is pleading not guilty because of self-defense.

The Associated Press reports:

The photos show Martin blowing smoke and extending his middle finger to the camera. The photos also show a gun and what appears to be a potted marijuana plant.

In the text messages, Martin tells a friend that his mother has told him he needs to move out of her house and move in with his father since he was caught skipping school. He also talks with a friend about smoking “weed.”

Prosecutors have filed a motion asking Circuit Judge Debra Nelson to prevent the photos, texts and other personal information from being used at the second-degree murder trial. The hearing is set for next Tuesday.

Zimmerman’s defense attorney, Mark O’Mara told The Associated Press last week that the materials could be relevant if prosecutors put a spotlight on Martin and his character.

“If the state puts at issue Trayvon, who he was. If the state makes that an issue, we get to respond to that,” O’Mara said.

Attorneys for Martin’s parents said in a statement that the photos and texts were irrelevant to the trial.

Zimmerman’s lawyers have long been digging for any type of dirt on Martin that they can find. Back in January, the defense was granted access to the late teen’s school records.

Martin’s lawyers have pointed out that the defense’s behavior is eerily similar to the attitude that may have gotten the young man killed.

“Is the defense trying to prove Trayvon deserved to be killed by George Zimmerman because (of) the way he looked?” they said. “If so, this stereotypical and closed-minded thinking is the same mindset that caused George Zimmerman to get out of his car and pursue Trayvon, an unarmed kid who he didn’t know.”

In April, Martin’s parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, settled a wrongful death suit, with a $1 million payout reportedly part of the agreement.

George Zimmerman goes on trial next month. Check out some of the photos and text messages, which may or may not be used as evidence at the trial, in the following pages.

Photos: Martin Family

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