Dear Commons Community,

The news media are reporting that the special prosecutor investigating the death of Trayvon Martin announced earlier this evening that George Zimmerman, who told police he shot the teen in self-defense, has been charged with second-degree murder. Zimmerman faces up to life in prison if convicted.

The Huffington Post reported that:

“Authorities said that Zimmerman, who has been in hiding for weeks, was in police custody. Special prosecutor Angela Corey said during a news conference that she would not reveal where Zimmerman was out of concern for his safety. “He is within the custody of law enforcement officers in the state of Florida,” Corey said.

The murder charge indicates that prosecutors believe that they can prove Zimmerman shot Martin with malice, though without premeditation. A manslaughter charge would have required prosecutors only to prove that Zimmerman acted unlawfully and with criminal negligence in shooting the teen. “

A first step has now been taken to resolve this tragedy!

Tony