George Zimmerman Charged with Second-Degree Murder [Updated]

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Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey has charged neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman with second-degree murder in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. He is currently in custody.

Martin, 17, was shot and killed on February 26 by Zimmerman, who claimed he was acting in self-defense although the teenager was unarmed.

Police in Sanford, Florida questioned Zimmerman at the time of the incident but did not press charges, sparking national controversy over the state's “Stand Your Ground” law, which gives residents the right to use deadly force to defend themselves in public places without first trying to escape.

Corey, who was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to investigate the case, told reporters Tuesday night that she would hold a news conference about the case within 72 hours.

News of the charge comes shortly after Zimmerman's attorneys announced they would no longer be representing him, saying in a press conference that he has taken actions against their legal advice.

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