George Zimmerman stood trial for the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012, in Sanford, Florida. He was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. The case quickly became a focal point in national discussions about race relations, gun control, and self-defense laws. While public discourse often focused on claims of racial profiling, prosecutors concentrated on Zimmerman’s actions and Trayvon Martin’s behavior prior to the confrontation. The case captured widespread media attention and ignited public debate over Florida’s self-defense statutes and the broader issues of justice and civil rights in law enforcement.
At the time of the incident, George Zimmerman, 28, was serving as the neighborhood watch coordinator for a gated community in Sanford. He is of Hispanic and multiracial descent. Trayvon Martin, a high school student, was visiting the neighborhood, staying temporarily with his father. On the evening of the shooting, Martin was returning from a local convenience store after purchasing a bag of Skittles and a canned drink. Zimmerman reported Martin as behaving suspiciously and contacted the Sanford Police Department.
According to recordings and subsequent reports, Zimmerman called the police to report what he described as suspicious behavior. The dispatcher advised him not to follow the individual. Nevertheless, Zimmerman exited his vehicle and an altercation followed between him and Martin. During the scuffle, Zimmerman discharged his handgun, fatally shooting Martin. Martin was unarmed and died at the scene. Zimmerman later claimed the shooting was in self-defense, stating he feared for his life during the struggle.
The incident swiftly gained national attention due to the circumstances surrounding Martin’s death, particularly his unarmed status and Zimmerman's initial release without arrest. Protests emerged across the country, asserting that Zimmerman benefited from racial bias and legal loopholes. Much of the criticism centered on Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” statute, which permits the use of deadly force if individuals reasonably believe they are in imminent danger, even if retreat is possible. The growing outcry led to a reexamination of the law and prompted officials to bring charges against Zimmerman in April 2012.
| Birth Date: | 5 Oct, 1983 |
| Age: | 36 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Manassas |
| Education: | Seminole State College of Florida |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American neighborhood watch coordinator who shot and killed Trayvon Martin |
| Twitter Id: | TherealGeorgeZ |
