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Subscribe to RSSGeorge Zimmerman, the former neighborhood watch volunteer charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, was released early Monday from a Florida jail on $150,000 bail. NBC's Kerry Sanders reports.
George Zimmerman’s attorney said Monday that his client’s apology to the family of Trayvon Martin was ill-timed given the family’s previous statements, and he’s sorry if they felt it was insincere.
During his bond hearing last week, Zimmerman addressed Martin’s family directly, saying he was sorry for the loss of their son. Speaking on “CBS This Morning” Monday, attorney Mark O’Mara said he didn’t realize the family would feel the apology came at the wrong time.
“Had I known or been told that that wasn't the time, it wouldn't have happened. So, I apologize for that,” O’Mara said.
Before the hearing, Zimmerman’s camp had reached out to the family to see if he could apologize privately. But Martin’s parents rejected that invitation during a press conference.
“He had a Web page — never apologized there. Had the voicemails we’ve heard — never apologized then,” the family’s attorney, Benjamin Crump, said at a news conference. “So, we feel that you all can conclude for yourselves what motivations there are.”
O’Mara said his client wouldn’t have apologized at the hearing had he seen the press conference.
“My concern is, I didn’t realize that the way that they had responded to me was through a press conference, where they said it was too late or not an appropriate time,” he said.
George Zimmerman released on bail in Trayvon Martin shooting case
At the bond hearing Friday, Zimmerman took the stand and addressed Martin’s parents, saying, “I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son,” adding he didn’t know how old Trayvon was or whether he was armed when he shot him.
O’Mara said the purpose of the apology was to reach out to the family.
Following the hearing, the Martin family's attorney characterized Zimmerman's apology as "insincere."
"The apology was somewhat of a surprise because we had told them this was not the appropriate time, but they just disregarded that, and he went and pandered to the court and the media and gave a very insincere apology," Crump told the media.
Zimmerman was released early on Monday from a Florida county jail on $150,000 bail while awaiting trial for second-degree murder in the shooting death of unarmed teen Martin. One of the conditions imposed for his bail is that he have no contact with Martin’s family.
O’Mara said Monday he still fears for his client’s safety, even though he hasn’t received any serious threats recently.
“We have not had any active threats recently,” he said, adding that he is keeping in touch with law enforcement officials.
Speaking about the recently released image showing Zimmerman’s bloodied head, O’Mara said it is “very compelling to support that there was an altercation,” but he is, for now, unsure where it’ll fit in his client’s defense.
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im just wondering where the apology is to the family who lost a wife,a daughter, a sister to a murder when a black woman shot and killed a white woman at point blank range and then ran off with her baby.
Forget you Crump....you can't always get what you want when you want it. Sadly, you continue to keep the flames going when it needs calm and a level head.
Cramp is making money he can not stop, truth is I can I can understand him. Blah blah blah blah
Not like he apologized because he was really sorry. Just a good PR move to fool you gullible douches.
AE...
I see you're continuing the infantile prepubescent name calling. Very adult of you.
whatever it is, he did apologize. did the black chic apologize for killing the white woman and stealing her baby in texas a week ago......HELL NO.
@ 9mm bloodlust
How would the blind see anything?
@scott
Apples and oranges, silly.
@Can't Teach Shiite
Zimmerman is the real thug considering his wifebeating and battery on cop. No rap sheet of violence or no rap sheet at all for Martin, silly. Like I said gullible douches.
...Hey, tell us more about "MARTIN" paying the bail money, genius.
@antiochus
of course its apple and oranges....its a black on white crime VS. a white on black crime and just pay attention as to how the media has made sure you know that zimmerman is half white.
Actually, I think he shouldn't have made an apology. Those parents need to apologize to him for subject their thug of a child on his life. Z did this world a good deed, because that kid would've just gotten worse.
I am happy with the apology, now I want an apology, because this so called kid made Mr. Zimmerman kill him.
I agree with brewsky23 - Trayvon probably got p'ed and attacked him and prompted the shooting. I think it will all come out in the trial but people will still be pi$$ed and riot anyway.
Typical of these type of people.
What annoys me is that many of you are ignoring the evidence and making things up. Zimmerman is guilty. The moment he ignored the 911 dispatcher and left his car he was the aggressor. Zimmerman knew he had a gun. Trayvon was on the phone with his girlfriend trying to go home. Zimmerman approached him and the altercation ensued. Zimmerman was NOT trying to go back to his car.
Trayvon’s body was in the cut-through, far away from Zimmerman’s car or the roads. Listen to the 911 call and look at pictures of the crime scene. Use your common sense for once.
Thank you Jo Ann for the link.
you talk about ignoring evidence, then go and ignore the evidence yourself - hypocryte
Tao33. Could not agree more with you. Zimmerman was trying to find Martin, plus the girlfriend confirmed Martin was trying to get away from Zimmerman.
What evidence Bob? Everything I have said is factual. What do you have to offer?
And Teach. Where did you get that information? Zimmerman has told 3+ different stories. Read the NY times article. The Girlfriend on the phone said Trayvon was trying to get away. And Zimmerman was lying when he said he was trying to get back into his car. His car was far away and no car can get to where Trayvon was lying, dead.
tao33 -
1 there is no evidence that GZ ever approached TM
2 GZ was NOT between TM and where TM wanted to go-there is no way GZ could catch TM if TM wanted to get away
3 i've seen a map of the area - it is very likely that he was headed back to his car, since there was no way for him to drive his car where TM was going
And the 911 dispatcher told Zimmerman to not leave his car- to not follow Trayvon. He did so anyway. Having a gun is a violation of every neighborhood watch rules, too. He is just a reckless, stupid man.
You defenders of Zimmerman, why aren't you talking about how he has alcohol problems. How he beat his girlfriend and was arrested for it. How after drinking he just turned and slammed a girl into the ground. How he assaulted a cop and was arrested for that too? How a guy like this was allowed to have a gun is beyond me.
Did you even listen to the 911 call. He was not in his car!!! Stop making stuff up.
why aren't you talking about the fact that a friend asked TM about getting him some weed on facebook. why are you talking about the fact that TM was suspended from school for 10 days(3rd time he was suspended), that his twitter handle was no_limit_nigga and that he bragged about punching a bus driver
They keep removing the links to the NYT article and the 911 tapes.
And Dean, fine, I listened to the tape again. I thought he was in his car and left. He clearly is following Trayvon as you can hear him running. and the dispatcher tells him to not chase him.
Mr. Zimmerman's apology is nonsense.
Oh, I'm certain he is sincere... but about what, exactly?
The rules regarding "block watch" groups is that they are specifically prohibited from carrying weapons and engaging possible perpetrators (or suspicious persons).
Mr. Zimmerman had a gun with him. He intended to shoot at someone, at some time. I don't believe he meant to kill anyone, including Trayvon Martin, but he did intend to shoot at someone. Trouble is, when your thought is totally about having the gun in your possession and using it, so many people do not think far enough ahead to the actuality someone may "for reals" get hurt... or worse, get dead!
I don't believe Mr. Zimmerman is a murderer as much as he is just a stupid idiot who is allowed to have a gun. And because he is allowed to have a gun - a kid was shot dead.
Mr. Zimmerman meant to use that gun, or he would not have had it in his possess... being that it was against the rules for him to be carrying it - on block watch. He may not have meant for someone to die... but there it is anyway.
Zimmerman was returning from a store himself and was not engaged in the Neighborhood Watch at the time of the incident.
I carry a concealed firearm, but I don't INTEND to shoot anyone. If I am forced to by being attacked by another, yes, I will shoot. Will I feel remorse about it? Of course I will... I'm human and feel remorse about the death of any person, regardless of color or gender. Will I be sorry about taking the life of another human being in defense of my own? Not in this life time. I would prefer the perpetrators family deal with funeral arrangement than my own family handling mine.
Teach so now you admit Zimmerman was following him, when before he was not. MAybe you all should get your stories together. Fact is, you don't know what the fck you are talking about just like everyone else here who is a pretend parttime investigator. You know just as much about the facts in this case as Zimmerman knows about being a good Neighborhood Watch.
Zimmerman is most likely to put a bullet in his own head than face the music. No way this murdering piece of trash should be out of jail!
So, by your thought process, just bypass the trial and go direct to sentencing?
He should've remained behind bars until the trail.
why? because you hate him?
if it were your family or friend, then you wouldnt say that, your just full of hate.
Bail is common. Or do you suggest that only because YOU believe him to be guilty before trial? Has he made ANY attempt at running after the incident? Did he voluntarily turn himself in when charges were filed? Why do you think he needs to be behind bars? He's obviously not a flight risk.
gods favorite one...........is that you bangin crystal again I know that B*thole looking face. you didn't wipe good enough because you still look the same color. hahahahaha
Take the OJ Simpson case and the not guilty verdict handed down by that jury. There was Simpson's DNA at the crime scene and additional evidence presented that implicated him. Zimmerman will be found guilty, not because of the facts, but because as was the case with Simpson and his not guilty verdict, a guilty verdict for Zimmerman will preserve social order. Racism will be put on trial not the facts of the case which was what happened in Simpson's trial! That is what the media wants and that is what they will get. Any individual that sits on that jury and finds Zimmerman not guilty or is part of a hung jury may as well move out of this country.
OJ got off because he was rich and a celebrity. Race had nothing to do with it though the race pimps were out in full force. Robert Blake had his wife murdered and likewise got off because he was a celebrity. So then why did Casey Anthony get off for murdering her baby? She was neither rich nor a celebrity though she became one. Well, Florida jurors are just stupid gullible people that's all. Remember that when the verdict is handed down (though my guess is there will be a mistrial).
What I heard Zimmerman say was that he was sorry the Martins were grieving the loss of their son...not sorry for killing their son...not sorry for his part in this tragedy. That's why his apology seems insincere...because it absolutely is. No matter when he made the apology it was going to come off as insincere because of the way he worded it.
Why should he be sorry for killing an attacker who was trying to bash his head in? He was empathetically sorry for the parents' loss; there was no reason for him to be sorry for kiling his attacker. GZ was 5'8" and 180#; TM was 6'1" and 170#. TM had the reach on GZ, and used it to knock him down. At the point TM should have backed off. TM hit GZ before any gun was drawn, and should not have continued hitting GZ when he was down. GZ had every reason to believe that the attacking TM, who had just bashed him in the face and was in the process of bashing his head against the cement, would kill him or leave him brain dead. Don't take my word: read the facts. Every day as new facts are revealed it becomes more evident that GZ was acting in self defense and feared for his life.
Mr. Zimmerman was instructed by the 911 operator to NOT follow Mr. Martin and he disobeyed those instructions and ended up in a situation where he says he had to defend himself. Had he obeyed those instructions Mr. Martin would still be alive and Mr. Zimmerman's life would not be on the path that he is now on. He owns part of this tragedy whether it was truly "self defense" or not.
He had no business following Mr. Martin. Perhaps Mr. Martin was in fear of his life because someone was following him and he felt the need to defend himself. Unfortunately, a bag of Skittles doesn't fare well against a gun.
He DID FOLLOW HIM FOR A REASON PEOPLE, he was/is a part of a neighbor hood watch, that is what these people do, to protect the people that live there. The kid was new there and not really known, the watch people go and watch what is happening and call in help if needed. WHERE DO YOU GET OFF HANGING THE GUY For doing what he as supposed to do????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Because he killed a 17 year old boy for walking on the sidewalk. Had he stayed only watching and let the police handle Martin, a 17 year old boy would be alive. Plus, talk with any neighbor hood watch program and they will tell you to never care a gun or go after a person. He broke every rule they teach you about neighbor hood watch. I know because I am on my neighbor hood watch.
So basically Zimmer was "supposed" to kill the guy? Is that right? I'm sure if that was your son you wouldn't be saying that Billy...
markh-2... Zimmerman was not involved with the neighborhood watch at the time.
He was NOT supposed to follow him. Neighborhood Watch people are supposed to WATCH and notify the police and let them handle situations. They are NOT supposed to be armed and they are not supposed to try to apprehend anyone. Zimmerman was completely out of line and he owns his own part in this tragedy. He wouldn't have had to defend himself against anything if he had followed the 911 operators instructions.
@ Teach A. Lesson: I'm wearing a hoodie right now because it's comfortable and my office is cold...let's not make hoodie wearing a crime!
First,This was a 17 yr.old man.NOT A BOY..He was old enough to be put in adult court.Which he was one step away. Had he been white. This would not made the news. Just like that white father. Who was not doing anything other than playing in the park with his 8yr.old daughter. When the 60 something black man.Came out if house walk accross the street. And shot for no reason. Where was media and is everyone else protecting that family. Once again.This was a 17yr.old man. NOT A BOY. My brother was murder by a 16yr old white punk. The under 25yr.old is out of control and getting worst. My brother was sucker punch just like GZ. That is what the under 25 yr. old do. As to why the family like jh-479998 ask why they would. Simple GZ had the legal right to sue them. Why do you think they took the steps they did. This martin family has said so many differant things from day one. I can not believe there would be so many people foolish and simple minded to believe their stuff.Furthe more days after it happened the mother of this 17yr.old man went and got trademakers. That makes a very big payday for them. $$$$$. Lets add this that family claimed the cops are racist. A white racist hate hispanic and blacks. Both whites and blacks hate hispanic. This cop would do the same discrimination of writing a report. Includidng that little perk walk they did after they cleaned him up. first vedio showed cop cleaning his face with a shirt. Than edited again by the news. So they could keep it going. Personally I hope GZ sues the hell out of everyone. The state of florida created neighbor watch. So all of them are trying to get of the lawsuit that GZ can file against them. My family is boycotting Florida. With the afican Rats in the keys. And the discrimination Against GZ. I ask you this. A cops job is to collect evidence. Not put his personal veiw point in the report. I sure would not want those cops doing my report and I am white. The truth is coming out. This family calling wolf. Will make it bad for real victims. This family the news and all the fools who jumped on their band wagon. Are guilty of bearing false witness. Which what God thinks is more important. I am sure that in Gods plans he is not holding this against GZ.
Funny how the parents both said it was a tragic accident until the political people came to "help" them..now it was murder..such crap. $$$$$$$
I think we need to give it a rest & allow this man to prove or not prove his innonence. He's scared and he should be however he has a right to be heard. His life could end on any premise as well. Unfortunate on both sides. Hopefully he's not just a predator. How often have local law enfrocement screwed up & never answered to anyone?
that will never happen, the liberal media and the black community will never let this rest. they have found a reason to scream racism,hate and foul.
Maggie.... actually Zimmerman does NOT have to prove his innocence. It is incumbent on the Prosecution to PROVE BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT that the accused is guilty.
I believe this will be my last reading or posting on any news blog, as a lot of the comments make me want to fight. Not fight people, because you will never kill an idealology that way. But, I am tired. Tired of small minded, intolerant people. People who are quick to jump to one side or the other, and be led like sheep. People who parrott sound bites. People who are quick to use race in any way, People who feel superior to any other people. People who place no apparent value on a human life. My heart is sick for my country, the United States of America, as we are not united. We retreat to our own little corners, where everyone there looks like us, thinks like us, acts like us. We denigrate rather than embrace the differences in us. Human beings are beautiful and wondrous, and the fact we don't all look alike makes us all the more amazing. I am a 55 year old black man, husband and father. I have experienced racism and discrimination in my life. BIG FREAKING DEAL! Some people are supid, insecure, frightened by the unfamiliar, and just plain childish. I get that. Most people, of all nationalities and cultures, are caring, open, tolerant people. No subset of people can define an entire people. For the small minded, I say "GROW UP"! As to this story, I don't know what happened that night. I will not be swayed by news outlets, celebreties, politicians, or goofballs on either side who have already made up their minds. I will reserve judgement until all the evidence has been presented and all the facts are.
I watched as he apologized. It sounded sincere to me. I feel like Zimmerman will not get a fair trial. The media has already allowed him to be condemned and Obama, Frankton, Jackson, and others are fueling the fires for a race war. Everyday in the United States an injustice occurs. It's the times we are living in. For so many people to comment on this particular case, while others go unnoticed, just doesn't seem right.
when would have been the appropriate time to apologise? when he and and his family had to go into hiding because the blank panthers out a bounty on his head? while an investigation was ongoing on whether to press charges or not? Zimmerman was getting death threats from locals before this became a media sensation.
I don't think he said sorry at court to get bail and I don't think a judge would fall for that...I think it is the first place he has been able to stand up in protected environment and tell these parents he is sorry. Really it doesn't matter when he says it, those parents are never going to forgive him at this time, maybe someday but not when the pain of losing a child is still so fresh and with a trial coming up and media circus...
Look how the parents had to back track the mom's statement about her thinking it was accident..if these parents show any understanding that this was an accident or if they show any forgiveness towards this man, he may not be convicted.
He said he was sorry for their loss, not for killing their kid. If you people would just read before speaking, you wouldn't sound like the racist morons that you are. And he didn't talk to police before the shooting. It was a dispatcher that suggested he not follow him. THIS WAS A TRAGIC ACT. It wasn't racial.
Not like the white kid who was set on fire by the black teenagers that nobody wants to talk about!
THAT IS A RACIAL ATTACK PURE AND SIMPLE!!!!
Where is this witness who says they saw Trayvon on top of Zimmerman? We are not being told everything, as usual.
George 1402996
I think your post is un-christian. Have you ever had a child murdered? How do you know what Trayvon's parent's were feeling at that moment of the apology. They have been through a lot. The apology took place at a bail hearing. Right or wrong, no one can place themselves in the shoes of these parents. Give them a break, and stop critizing them because they are not willing to accept an apology at the time George Zimmerman wanted to give it. I watched the apology and it seemed self serving, not an ounce of sincerity. I would not be so ready to accept an apology either if it were just under two months since my child was murdered. I'm sure Christ is not blaming the Martins for not accepting an apology at the time you feel appropriate.
Ghandi was right: I like your Christ, It's your christians I don't like. Your christians are so unlike your Christ.
I would like to see you sit there with your life on the line and make a more heartfelt apology. I saw it as sincere, but controlled.
"MARTIN" posted bail????? ...Get a grip, genius!!!!!
Being sucker punched by a punk who was taught to do that kind of crap by his unsupervised upbringing, would certainly force someone to apologize for the loss of the punk but not for the action of defending themselves against an assault from the rear.
Stop being racists. That is all I need to say.
Until you have had a loved one, violently taken from you by homicide, you don't have a right to say how and when and what about any apology, statement or otherwise that comes from the mouth of the perpetrator. I have, I have had to sit and watch a man try and save himself AFTER he murdered my unarmed cousin. This is one time, I wouldn't suggest you walk a mile in their shoes, the price is too costly. For those callous individuals, I pray it never happens to you.
it'll never be good enuf..the racism card is old and frankly B.S !
ZIMMERMAN OWES THEM NO APOLOGY IN A POSSIBLE SELF DEFENSE CASE..THEY'RE SHOWING TRUE IGNORANCE..grieveing is one thing but whineing cuz it wasNT on the web or in a voicemail rather publicly is ludicris...Can we say " Pathetic "?
i can ..
P.A.T.H.E.T.I.C !
All these threats by diferant simple minded fools. Who should be in jail for the threats. The facts where proven by the defence.There is no evedence against GZ. All of you should be ashame of yourselves.Threaten further jury members if this goes to court.You really need to look in the mirror at yourselves.Your shameful disgrace to your fellow humans and God. TM Was a 17yr.old man. You people fell hook,line and sinker to propaganda 101.
Where is the witness that spoke with police? As usual we are not being informed about everything.
Actually, it's none of OUR business. I'm sure the authorities are concerned about the safety of a witness if the name is divulged.
That witness is black by the way and his mom sis under investigation for trying to change his mind, tampering with a witness.