Tracy Martin, standing next Trayvon Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton and lawyers for the family, spoke to reporters at the court in Sanford Monday.

“We are relieved that the start of the trial is here with jury selection, as we seek justice for our son Trayvon, and we also seek a fair and impartial trial", said Martin. "We ask that the community continue to stay peaceful as we place our faith in the justice system.”

A handful of demonstrators gathered outside the Seminole County Courthouse for the start of the trial. 500 potential jurors have been summoned to the courthouse. Jury selection could take up to three weeks.George Zimmerman, a former neighborhood watch volunteer, said he was acting in self defense when he shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin last year. He's charged with second degree murder.