A stern-faced looking George Zimmerman, dressed in a suit and tie, appeared in a Seminole County court for a bond hearing Friday.
After more than two hours, Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester set Zimmerman’s bond at $150,000 with some conditions. Lester said that Zimmerman would have to wear a GPS monitor, will not be able to carry a firearm, can’t consume alcohol and will be on a curfew from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. He is also required to advise the Sheriff’s Office of his whereabouts every three days.
Zimmerman who is charged with second degree murder in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teen on February 26, used to opportunity of the bond hearing to apologize for killing the 17-year-old.
“I want to say I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know how old he was,” Zimmerman said. “I thought he was a little younger than I am, and I did not know if he was armed or not.”
Yesterday, Benjamin Crump, one of the attorneys for the Martin family said Zimmerman had never apologized for killing the teen, nor did he seem remorseful for his actions.
Martin’s parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, sat quietly in court beside Crump. Special prosecutor Angela Corey was also present.
Zimmerman’s attorney, Mark O’Mara had requested a bond of $15,000 and also asked the judge whether he could live out-of state. Judge Lester said that his living arrangements will have to be worked out with prosecutors.
Gladys and Robert Zimmerman, George’s parents, who called into the bond hearing by phone and spoke earlier during the hearing, vouched for their son and said he will fulfill the bond conditions, if granted.
Zimmerman who is being held at the Seminole County Jail is not expected to be released today.
