George Zimmerman will plead not guilty to second degree murder in the death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, his attorney said on the Today show Thursday. Zimmerman, 28, surrendered to the police and was charged Wednesday.
Martin, a 17-year-old African American, was unarmed when Zimmerman shot and killed him in a Sanford neighborhood in February. Zimmerman was on neighborhood watch at the time and called police about Martin, who he claimed was acting suspicious. Martin was wearing a hoodie, eating skittles and drinking tea while he talked to his girlfriend on the phone. Zimmerman, who is Hispanic, claims he shot Martin in self defense after a brief struggle. He was questioned by police and released.
Martin’s death sparked public outcry with many claiming the teen was targeted because of his race. Protests demanding Zimmerman’s arrest were held across the United States.
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