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Zimmerman Apologizes, Can Go Free on Bail

Tells Trayvon's parents he's sorry; judge sets bond at $150K

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 20, 2012 10:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – George Zimmerman could be out on bail as early as tomorrow. The judge at his bond hearing today set the amount at $150,000, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Zimmerman, who will have to wear a GPS monitor, took the stand himself before the ruling and apologized to Trayvon Martin's parents, notes AP:

  • "I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit younger than I am. I did not know if he was armed or not."
  • His wife and parents testified by phone. "He is absolutely not a violent person," said his wife, Shellie. His father said Zimmerman had various injuries after the shooting, including a swollen face and lip, and "two vertical gashes on the back of his head."
  • Zimmerman's appearance on the stand was a surprise, given that it was only a bond hearing. "I didn't know we were going to be trying the case today," said the prosecuting attorney, according to CNN.
  • In another development, ABC News broadcast a photograph showing blood on the back of Zimmerman's head on the night of Martin's death, appearing to back up his claims that the two were fighting beforehand.

Tracy Martin, left, and Sybrina Fulton, parents of slain teen Trayvon Martin, listen during a public town hall meeting April 19 in Tampa.
Tracy Martin, left, and Sybrina Fulton, parents of slain teen Trayvon Martin, listen during a public town hall meeting April 19 in Tampa.   (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Sybrina Fulton, left, mother of Trayvon Martin, and attorney Benjamin Crump, arrive at the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center for George Zimmerman's bond hearing.
Sybrina Fulton, left, mother of Trayvon Martin, and attorney Benjamin Crump, arrive at the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center for George Zimmerman's bond hearing.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)
George Zimmerman's booking photo, provided by the Sanford Police Department.
George Zimmerman's booking photo, provided by the Sanford Police Department.   (AP Photo/Sanford Police Department, File)
George Zimmerman appears before Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Lester Jr. Friday in Sanford, Fla.
George Zimmerman appears before Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Lester Jr. Friday in Sanford, Fla.   (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Gary W. Green, Pool)
George Zimmerman appears before Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Lester Jr. Friday in Sanford, Fla.
George Zimmerman appears before Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Lester Jr. Friday in Sanford, Fla.   (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Gary W. Green, Pool)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 241 comments
slammer
Apr 21, 2012 2:16 PM CDT
my AMERRRRRRRRRRRIKKAAAAAAAAAAAA right or wronggggggggggg!
Tscare
Apr 21, 2012 1:54 AM CDT
Another murderer goes free!
super_soft_wizard
Apr 20, 2012 6:58 PM CDT
@Fondue:disqus : "Trayvon not having fight wounds means he wasn't wounded - period. That is all."  Fair.  But it's straining credulity to believe that the guy with no fight wounds wasn't the instigator when Zimmerman had a gun and you're side is claiming he was racist/murderous enough to use it unprovoked.  Right? "We have Zimmerman's accounts. Plural."--Link me to Zimmerman changing his story one iota.  I don't think he has in any remotely material way if at all. "Also, if Zimmerman having wounds is any indication to his situation, he should have gotten out of there and met up with the police." -- That's your opinion and it's legally irrelevant.  He felt it was his civic duty to patrol his neighborhood.  Why is that wrong?  "It is very possible that Zimmerman provoked the whole encounter." -- Possible, but what is his motivation?  What evidence from his whole life do you have this this registered Democrat and local activist was racist?  Or violent?  He'd been patrolling like this for many years without incident.
 

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