Zimmerman Makes Court Appearance In Fla. Shootings

14:32

April 12, 2012

George Zimmerman, center, stands with a Seminole County Deputy and his attorney Mark O'Mara during a court hearing Thursday in Sanford, Fla. (AP/Gary W. Green, Orlando Sentinel, Pool)

The ASSOCIATED PRESS

SANFORD, Fla. - Neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman has made his first court appearance on a second-degree murder charge in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

During the brief appearance Thursday, Zimmerman stood up straight and wore a gray prison jumpsuit. He spoke only to answer "Yes, sir," after he was asked basic questions about the charge against him and his attorney.

The judge said an arraignment would be held on May 29 before another judge.

Zimmerman was charged after a public campaign to make an arrest in the Feb. 26 shooting, which has galvanized the nation for weeks. Some legal experts had expected Zimmerman to face a lesser count of manslaughter and say a prosecutor will face steep hurdles to win a murder conviction. Zimmerman has claimed that he fired in self-defense.

Guest:

Clarence Page, syndicated columnist for the Chicago Tribune
Emily Bazelon, legal affairs editor for Slate

This segment aired on April 12, 2012.