George Zimmerman has been charged with second degree murder in the shooting of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin. Unlike the charge of manslaughter, Florida identifies murder as killing with malice. Zimmerman’s team has reported he will plead not guilty.
Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey announced on Wednesday at 6 p.m. that Zimmerman would be charged, and he has subsequently come out of hiding and turned himself over to authorities.
Zimmerman’s own lawyers have back off from the case, with the excuse that Zimmerman disregarded their legal advice, and has fell out of contact with them.
“As of now we are withdrawing as counsel for Mr. Zimmerman,” said one of his attorneys, Craig Conner. “He’s gone on his own. I’m not sure what he’s doing or who he’s talking to, but at this point we’re withdrawing as counsel. If he wants us to come back as counsel, he will contact us.”
Zimmerman was in hiding after some supporters of Zimmerman, seeking justice, put a $10,000 bounty on his head. Most other supporters are not interested in that mode of justice, but rallies and parades have not been lacking.
Zimmerman appeared in court today, dressed in a blue jumpsuit, and saying nothing other than acknowledging the charges brought against him.
His new lawyer, Mark O’Mara said “He’s tired. He’s gone through some tribulations of his own, being the focus of the intensity of this event. … He’s facing second degree murder charges now. He’s frightened. That would frighten any one of us.”