Zimmerman Apologizes, Can Go Free on Bail

Tells Trayvon's parents he's sorry; judge sets bond at $150K
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 20, 2012 10:34 AM CDT
Zimmerman Apologizes, Can Go Free on Bail
Tracy Martin, left, and Sybrina Fulton, parents of slain teen Trayvon Martin, listen during a public town hall meeting April 19 in Tampa.   (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

George Zimmerman could be out on bail as early as tomorrow. The judge at his bond hearing today set the amount at $150,000, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Zimmerman, who will have to wear a GPS monitor, took the stand himself before the ruling and apologized to Trayvon Martin's parents, notes AP:

  • "I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit younger than I am. I did not know if he was armed or not."
  • His wife and parents testified by phone. "He is absolutely not a violent person," said his wife, Shellie. His father said Zimmerman had various injuries after the shooting, including a swollen face and lip, and "two vertical gashes on the back of his head."
  • Zimmerman's appearance on the stand was a surprise, given that it was only a bond hearing. "I didn't know we were going to be trying the case today," said the prosecuting attorney, according to CNN.
  • In another development, ABC News broadcast a photograph showing blood on the back of Zimmerman's head on the night of Martin's death, appearing to back up his claims that the two were fighting beforehand.
(More George Zimmerman stories.)

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