Zimmerman to Plead Not Guilty
Suspect in the neighborhood watch killing of Trayvon Martin makes first court appearance
George Zimmerman made his first court appearance Thursday in the fatal shooting of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin. His attorney said afterward that he would plead not guilty.
Judge Mark Herr found in Florida 18th Circuit Court in Sanford that there was probable cause to proceed with the case and set Zimmerman's arraignment for May 29 before Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler.
Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, could have requested Zimmerman's release on bail, but he told reporters he chose to wait until emotions had settled down, "probably within the next couple of weeks."
O'Mara described Zimmerman as "tired, given the intensity" of the attention his case has drawn.
"He's glad the process is in place," O'Mara said. "... Let's let the system work."
Assistant State Attorney Bernardo de la Rionda told reporters he couldn't talk about the case until the May 29 arraignment.
"We look forward to presenting the evidence at that time," he said. "... We will make all arguments in the courtroom, and that's where it should be."
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