Florida Teen Shooter Back in Police Custody

Posted June 3rd, 2012 at 6:35 pm (UTC-5)
Leave a comment

The former neighborhood watch volunteer charged in the shooting death of 17-year-old African-American Trayvon Martin is back in police custody.

George Zimmerman surrendered to Florida police Sunday and was booked into jail.

A judge revoked Zimmerman's bond Friday because he and his wife lied to the court about their finances so he could obtain a lower bond.

The 28-year-old Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in the February 26 shooting.

Prosecutors say Zimmerman racially profiled Martin as a potential criminal and confronted him. The teen was unarmed and walking back home from a convenience store.

Zimmerman, a white Hispanic man, has admitted to killing Martin, but says he acted in self-defense when the teen attacked him.

The case sparked nationwide protests over racial profiling and Florida's so-called “Stand Your Ground” law that allows people to use deadly force if they feel their life is in danger, or they are at risk of serious injury. Police did not initially arrest Zimmerman after the shooting because of his claims of self-defense.

Florida Governor Rick Scott Thursday introduced a 17-member commission to examine the controversial law. The panel, led by Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, will conduct a series of public hearings across the state, and pass along its recommendations to Scott and the Florida legislature.