Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Trayvon Martin Shooting: George Zimmerman Makes First Court Appearance

Danny Lee |
April 12, 2012 | 10:27 p.m. PDT

Executive Producer

(Image Courtesy of Creative Commons)
(Image Courtesy of Creative Commons)
George Zimmerman made his first court appearance Thursday as a document revealed new details on the second-degree murder charge that was filed against the neighborhood watch volunteer on Wednesday, CBS News reported.

An affidavit of probable cause in the case against Zimmerman says that he "profiled" shooting victim Trayvon Martin, and ignored a police dispatcher's request that he wait for police to arrive, CNN reported. Zimmerman could face life in prison if convicted.

The affidavit also stated that, "Martin was unarmed and was not committing a crime." It mentioned that Zimmerman observed Martin and called the police because he assumed the teen was a criminal who did not belong in the gated community, according to the Miami Herald.

One sentence in the document was blacked out and kept secret. The rest of the case's supporting evidence was ordered sealed as well, according to the Herald.

Arrest records listed the defendant as "unemployed" and described tattoos he had on his left arm and chest, CBS News reported. Zimmerman was booked at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility on Thursday.

Zimmerman’s relatives maintain that he did not profile Martin and only shot the 17-year-old in self-defense after the teen punched him. The 28-year-old’s attorney expressed concern over whether or not his client would receive a fair trial.

“He is a client who has a lot of hatred focused on him,” O’Mara told CBS on Wednesday. “I’m hoping the hatred settles down. He has the right to his own safety and the case being tried before a judge and jury.”

 

Reach Executive Producer Danny Lee here, or follow him here.



 

Live On Twitter

Buzz

'Before Midnight' Explores The Collision Of Love And Reality

A look at the third installment of the "Before" movies.

Boston Bombing Survivors Finish Last Mile of Race

Thousands run across the Boston marathon finish line Saturday morning in honor of the fallen victims, wounded and response team.

 


Leave a comment

Name
E-mail*
URL
Comments*