In a bond hearing in Florida on Friday, murder suspect George Zimmerman apologized for the death of Trayvon Martin. CNN reports the 28-year-old addressed the teen’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, directly.
"I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son,” he said.
"I did not know how old he was. I thought that he was a little bit younger than I am and I did not know if he was armed or not,” added Zimmerman.
Zimmerman was charged with second degree murder earlier this month. A judge set his bond at $150,000 during Friday’s hearing.
Martin, an 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. Zimmerman was charged on April 11.
###
Click here for more Law News
