George Zimmerman Granted Bail, Bond Set at $150,000
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ABC News(SANFORD, Fla.) — A Florida judge Friday approved bail for George Zimmerman.
Judge Kenneth Lester agreed to allow Zimmerman, who is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Trayvon Martin, to post $150,000 bond to get out of jail. The prosecution had argued that Zimmerman should be denied bail or that it should be set at $1 million.
George Zimmerman surprised the court by taking the stand and apologizing to Trayvon Martin’s parents, who were sitting in the courtroom during Zimmerman’s bond hearing.
“I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit older than I was,” Zimmerman said, addressing Martin’s family directly. Trayvon Martin was 17 years old. Zimmerman is 28.
Zimmerman took the stand wearing a dark suit with his hands shackled to a belt around his waist.
His surprising testimony came the same day that ABC News exclusively obtained a photograph showing the bloodied back of Zimmerman’s head, which was apparently taken three minutes after he shot and killed Martin. The photo could give credence to Zimmerman’s claim that Martin had bashed his head against the concrete-covered ground as Zimmerman fought for his life.
Zimmerman is being held on charges of second-degree murder for the Feb. 26 shooting of Martin. He could receive a life sentence if convicted.
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