Zimmerman Charged With 2nd-Degree Murder in Trayvon Martin Shooting

George Zimmerman, the man who shot Trayvon Martin is being charged with murder in the 2nd Degree, Angela B. Corey, the special prosecutor, said on Wednesday at a press conference held in Jacksonville, Florida. Corey also noted Zimmerman is in custody.

By Jorge Rivas Apr 11, 2012

George Zimmerman, the man who shot Trayvon Martin is being charged with murder in the 2nd Degree, Angela B. Corey, the special prosecutor, said on Wednesday at a press conference held in Jacksonville, Florida. The announcement came more than six weeks after Trayvon and Zimmerman’s fatal encounter.

Corey said Zimmerman turned himself in and is "within the custody of law enforcement officers in the state of Florida." He is being held without bail.

Second-degree charges in Florida could carry life in prison without parole.

Corey also said "if stand your ground becomes an issue, we will fight it."

"We have numerous homicides where immediate arrests are not made and so to us it did not seem unusual," Corey said after a reporter asked why it took 45-days to arrest Zimmerman.

The story has consumed the country and divided many–the Trayvon Martin case was the first in 2012 to surpass election coverage in U.S. media outlets.

Corey is no stranger to controversial cases. The Republican State Prosecutor appointed by Gov. Rick Scott made national headlines last year when she made the decision to charge a 12-year-old who was accused of beating his 2-year-old half-brother to death as an adult instead of letting his case go through juvenile court.

CBS News points out Corey has tried hundreds of murder cases in her career, including many involving Florida’s "kill at will" self-defense law:

Just two months ago, Stone says Corey’s office made the decision not to charge Artur Veshti, who shot and killed Stone’s client, Paulin Gavoci, after deciding Veshti acted in response to reasonable fear for his life.

Earlier this year, Stone says he was defending a woman charged with slashing a man she said attacked her, and Corey proceeded with charges until the judge dismissed the case finding that the woman had acted in self-defense.