US teen death court appearance

George Zimmerman has made his first appearance in court in the case of the fatal shooting of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin in the United States. The 17-year-old was shot dead earlier this year because Zimmerman thought he looked suspicious.

Live updates

  1. Emma Murphy: ITV News Correspondent

Zimmerman in court over Trayvon killing

Trayvon Martin's family had just one minute to see George Zimmerman in court. It was a very brief hearing, Zimmerman not even speaking to confirm his name.

The court was offered a two page affidavit which was said to give the details of what went on the night that Trayvon Martin was killed.

No bail application was made and Zimmerman will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 29th May when the case will be formally put to him.

Advertisement

Trayvon's mother: 'It was an accident'

Sybrina Fulton Credit: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Speaking to NBC on The Today show Trayvon Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton has said that she believes the shooting of her son was an accident.

When asked what she would say to George Zimmerman, the man charged with the murder of Trayvon she said:

"I believe it was an accident. I believe that it just got out of control and he couldn't turn the clock back. I would ask him - did he know that that was a minor that that was a teenager and that he did not have a weapon. "

Advertisement

Key events in the Trayvon Martin shooting

  • February 26: Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot dead in a gated community in Sanford, Florida, by George Zimmerman, 28, who claims he acted in self-defence.
  • March 7: Ben Crump, the lawyer hired by Martin's parents, said they were unable to convince Sanford police to arrest Zimmerman.
Load more updates Back to top

Latest ITV News reports