A handcuffed George Zimmerman, charged with killing unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, appeared in court for the first time on Thursday and his lawyer said a not guilty plea was entered on his “frightened” client’s behalf.
The neighborhood watch volunteer’s lawyer, Mark O’Mara, also said he wanted Zimmerman to be released on bond, but not until he could secure a safe place for him to stay while he faces murder charges in the February 26 killing of 17-year-old Martin in a quiet gated community in the central Florida town of Sanford.
Judge Mark Herr set formal arraignment for May 29 and agreed to seal some of the case file.
He said he chose not to ask for bail immediately because it might “only arouse the fervor” around the case.
Zimmerman faces 2nd degree murder charges.
Information from Yahoo News contributed to this report.
