At Bail Hearing, Zimmerman Apologizes for Killing

George Zimmerman, the volunteer neighborhood watch patrolman charged with killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, apologized to the teenager’s family Friday as a judge set bail at $150,000. Zimmerman awaits trial on a charge of second-degree murder.

The setting of bail for Zimmerman dismayed Martin’s parents, who had rejected an offer of a face-to-face apology from the defendant.

After the hearing, Benjamin Crump, the attorney of Martin’s family, said of the parents:

“They are devastated, completely devastated, that after nine days from the killer of their son being arrested, they learned today that he will be released. They have to accept the court’s decision. They pray that his freedom is only temporary, because the pain that he has caused this family is going to be permanent.”

—ARK

The Guardian:

“I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of their son. I did not know how old he was – I thought he was a little bit younger than I am. And I did not know if he was armed or not,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman’s attorneys were seeking a bond to have him released before trial. He was granted bail of $150,000 by Judge Kenneth Lester, but will not be immediately released.

The terms of the bond include electronic monitoring and GPS, no contact with Martin’s family, regular meetings with officers, and no access to firearms.

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AP/Orlando Sentinel, Gary W. Green, Pool

George Zimmerman takes the stand during Friday’s bail hearing.