Prosecution outlines case against Zimmerman in killing of Trayvon Martin
George Zimmerman appeared in court for the first time Thursday after being arrested in connection with the killing of Trayvon Martin. Special Prosecutor Angela Corey announced Wednesday that Zimmerman, 28, is being charged with second-degree murder. - Zimmerman is charged with killing Martin as the 17-year-old African-American youth walked through a gated community in Sanford, Florida on February 26. Zimmerman’s arrest followed weeks of protests led by the young man’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, demanding the shooter be brought to justice. To prove a charge of second-degree murder, prosecutors must show that Zimmerman committed an “imminently dangerous” act showing a “depraved” lack of regard for human life. Unlike a charge of first-degree murder, premeditation does not need to be proved. A second-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison.