George Zimmerman is charged with 2nd-degree murder in Trayvon Martin shooting

GEORGE ZIMMERMAN 4/11/12
SANFORD, FL POLICE DEPT.
ARREST PHOTO

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who shot and killed unarmed Trayvon Martin, was charged with second-degree murder Wednesday in a case that has riveted the nation.

Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey announced the charge at an early-evening news conference in Jacksonville. She said Zimmerman had turned himself in and was being held in the state.

“It is the search for justice for Trayvon that has brought us to this moment,” Corey said. She said she had informed Martin’s parents of the outcome of her investigation.

Under Florida law, a conviction is punishable by life in prison.

READ MORE

George Zimmerman arrives at Seminole County Jail, faces second-degree murder charge

SANFORD, Florida -- George Zimmerman arrived at the Seminole County Jail this evening, about two hours after officials announced that he will face a second-degree murder charge in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Special Prosecutor Angela Corey announced the second-degree murder charge at the State Attorney's Office in Jacksonville tonight, more than six weeks after Trayvon and Zimmerman's fatal encounter.



If convicted, Zimmerman would face up to life in prison on the first-degree felony charge. He arrived at the Seminole County jail about 8:30 p.m. tonight, greeted by a throng of reporters shouting questions.

"The team here with me has worked tirelessly looking for answers in Trayvon Martin's death," Corey said earlier, introducing her prosecutors and investigators.

Corey added that "we do not prosecute by public pressure." She said that her office handles all cases the same way, regardless of the scrutiny.
READ MORE