As millions watching the George Zimmerman trial await a verdict, many media outlets are looking to get an exclusive interview with one of the key players in the case: Rachel Jeantel.
The young woman formerly known only as "Witness 8" was the last person on the phone with Trayvon Martin moments before he was shot and killed during a struggle with Zimmerman in February 2012.
Now, Jeantel's attorney, Rod Vereen, said she is avoiding her Miami home to keep out of the spotlight while she keeps her eye on the trial.
One of the big questions we had for Vereen was about Jeantel's change in demeanor on her second day of testimony.
She made some very abrasive comments on day one, but by day two, she seemed a lot calmer. There was speculation that maybe her lawyer coached her, but Vereen said that's not true.
"Let me just say this: I've been a prosecutor before, and I've been practicing law for 23 years," Vereen said. "I understand the rules with regards to when a person is under oath, you do not get an opportunity to speak with them about anything."
Jeantel's testimony took over the social media world while she was still on the stand, asking defense attorney Don West if he's listening during her first day of testimony, and more calmly -- but still sternly -- answering him "Yes, sir," and "No, sir," on the second day.
Vereen says his client went to the hotel after her first day of testimony, and was instructed to rest.
"Did I want to speak to her? Of course," Vereen said. "Any lawyer would want to speak to a witness and say, 'Listen, what you said today was?' but you can't do that. That's improper."
"People must keep in mind, Rachel didn't want to be a part of this case at all," Vereen added. "When she first made her mother aware she was the last person on the phone with Trayvon Martin, the mother had been contacted by Sybrina Fulton, who wanted to speak with Rachel."
"Rachel said, 'Look, tell them I'm only 16 years old, and I don't want to speak with any adults,'" Jeantel's lawyer said, referring to his client lying about her age.
Still, Vereen said Jeantel's mother did convince her to speak with the Martin family's attorney, Ben Crump.
"She used the phrase, 'I put a rush on it,' meaning she spoke with him, and she tried to speak with him as quickly as she could, just so she could stop talking with him, period," Vereen admitted.
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