The man charged in the shooting death of an African-American teenager is expected to make his first appearance in a Florida courtroom Thursday.
The lawyer representing George Zimmerman says his client will plead not guilty to second-degree murder at a bond hearing.
<!--AV--> Attorney Mark O'Mara says he needs his client out of jail so Zimmerman can assist in his own defense.
Zimmerman surrendered to police Wednesday after he was charged in the death of Trayvon Martin, 17, on February 26 in a gated community in an Orlando suburb.
Special prosecutor Angela Corey gave no details of the evidence that led to the charges, but said there was a thorough investigation. Corey said Florida courts do not prosecute people by public pressure but on the facts and the law.
Second-degree murder is defined as an intentional killing that was not pre-meditated. It could also be defined as a killing caused by a suspect's dangerous conduct and disregard for human life. The maximum penalty is life in prison.
Key Dates in Trayvon Martin Case
- February 26: George Zimmerman shoots, kills 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, Zimmerman not arrested
- March 16: Sanford police release recording of emergency call made during the confrontation
- March 21: Thousands march in New York in support of Martin
- March 23: President Obama calls for thorough investigation
- April 10: Zimmerman's lawyers pull out, say they lost contact with client
- April 11: Zimmerman charged with 2nd degree murder
Police took Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, into protective custody the night of the shooting, but he was not arrested or charged at that time. Zimmerman said Martin attacked him and that he shot the teen in self-defense.
Martin's family says Trayvon was unarmed and confronted because of his race. They demanded that Zimmerman, a 28-year-old white Hispanic man, face criminal charges.
On Thursday, Martin's parents appeared on U.S. television on NBC's Today Show and expressed satisfaction that their demands for arrest finally have been met. Martin's mother said she believes the shooting was an accident.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Wednesday the Justice Department will take action if it finds evidence of a federal civil rights crime.
The case has ignited a national debate about racial tensions in the United States. Martin's supporters say the shooting shows how young black men are constantly threatened with violence, while Zimmerman supporters say race had nothing to do with the killing.
"Although I cannot share where current efforts will lead us from here, I can assure you that, in this investigation - and in all cases - we will examine the facts and the law,." said Holder. "If we find evidence of a potential federal criminal civil rights crime, we will take appropriate action. And at every step, the facts and the law will guide us forward."
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