Zimmerman cleared
- 11 years ago
Former neighbourhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman has always maintained he killed black teenager Trayvon Martin in self-defence in the Florida town of Sanford last year.
After two days of deliberations the jury in his trial for murder and manslaughter agreed with him.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) JURY SPOKESWOMAN SAYING:
"In the circuit court of the 18th judicial circuit, Seminole County, Florida, State of Florida versus George Zimmerman, verdict: we the jury find George Zimmerman not guilty, so say we all."
Prosecutors alleged Zimmerman was a wannabe cop who tracked down and shot 17-year-old Martin without justification.
Zimmerman said Martin had attacked him.
But Zimmerman wasn't arrested for six weeks after the shooting because police believed his version of events, sparking nation-wide protests and cries of injustice.
Zimmerman showed little reaction to the verdict.
Trayvon Martin's family was not in court to hear the jury's decision.
After two days of deliberations the jury in his trial for murder and manslaughter agreed with him.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) JURY SPOKESWOMAN SAYING:
"In the circuit court of the 18th judicial circuit, Seminole County, Florida, State of Florida versus George Zimmerman, verdict: we the jury find George Zimmerman not guilty, so say we all."
Prosecutors alleged Zimmerman was a wannabe cop who tracked down and shot 17-year-old Martin without justification.
Zimmerman said Martin had attacked him.
But Zimmerman wasn't arrested for six weeks after the shooting because police believed his version of events, sparking nation-wide protests and cries of injustice.
Zimmerman showed little reaction to the verdict.
Trayvon Martin's family was not in court to hear the jury's decision.