Zimmerman’s lawyers step down from case

George Zimmerman’s lawyers, the man who claimed he killed Trayvon Martin in self‑defense, said at a press conference Tuesday that they are withdrawing because he stopped communicating with them. They also said he contacted the Florida special prosecutor investigating the Feb. 26 shooting death of Martin.

Zimmerman’s Lawyers Withdraw as Communication Breaks Down

Attorneys Announce Sudden Departure

“As of now we are withdrawing as counsel for Mr. Zimmerman,” attorney Craig Sonner told reporters outside the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford, Fla. He said they lost contact with Zimmerman after speaking with him daily. Sonner added that Zimmerman “has gone on his own,” and they do not know who he is speaking with. He said they would return only if Zimmerman reached out.

Sonner said he never met Zimmerman in person and only communicated with him by phone.

The Shooting That Sparked National Outrage

George Zimmerman said he killed Trayvon Martin, a 17‑year‑old Black teenager visiting his father in Sanford, Fla. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain, called 911 to report Martin, who was walking back from a convenience store. He said Martin looked “suspicious.” An altercation followed, and Martin was shot in the chest. Zimmerman told police he shot the unarmed teen in self‑defense. He has not been charged or arrested.

Concerns About Zimmerman’s Whereabouts

Attorney Hal Uhrig said Zimmerman stopped responding to their calls, though they had a “pretty good idea” of his location. Many fear Zimmerman could be a flight risk. However, Sonner recently told Anderson Cooper that Zimmerman remains in the United States, though not in Florida.

“George Zimmerman…is not doing well emotionally,” Uhrig said. He suggested Zimmerman may suffer from post‑traumatic stress and may have lost weight. Uhrig said Zimmerman’s behavior raises concerns about his emotional and physical safety.

Zimmerman has been in hiding since the case went viral. Sonner said he did not believe Zimmerman would harm himself or flee the country.

Ignoring Legal Advice

Zimmerman’s lawyers said he repeatedly ignored their legal guidance. “We learned that he had called Sean Hannity of Fox News directly — not through us,” Uhrig said. They believe Zimmerman spoke with Hannity off the record, and Hannity would not disclose the conversation.

Next Steps in the Case

Special prosecutor Angela Corey decided not to convene a grand jury. She is expected to announce within days whether Zimmerman will face charges in the shooting.

This is a breaking news story, please stay tuned as more develops.