George Zimmerman (Creative Commons)

CNN says: Earlier Monday, the city announced in a statement that a separation agreement had been reached with Lee to resign. If it was approved by the city commission, it would have taken effect at midnight.

But by a 3-2 vote, the city commission opted not to accept the proposed deal, which would have permanently dismissed Lee from the job and given him a severance package. Two commissioners had questioned the fairness of Lee losing his job, while Mayor Jeff Triplett said he preferred to wait possibly several months for the results of an investigation into Lee and his department.

Capt. Darren Scott has been acting as police chief since Lee went on leave in March, and will continue to hold that position for now. 

George Zimmerman, after being released from jail early Monday morning, has gone into hiding, having received numerous death threats.  

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