Zimmerman to Be Charged With 2nd Degree Murder in Trayvon Martin Case

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A law enforcement official says that the killer in the Trayvon Martin case will be charged with second-degree murder and is in custody.

[See a collection of editorial cartoons on the Trayvon Martin tragedy.]

The official with knowledge of the case says that the charge against George Zimmerman will be announced at a news conference at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The official says he's in custody in Florida but wouldn't say where. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to disclose the information.

An arrest had been delayed because of Florida's so-called stand your ground law, which gives people wide latitude to claim self-defense in a killing and other altercations.

The lack of an arrest had sparked outrage and rallies for justice in the Orlando suburb and across the country.

• Check out U.S. News Weekly: an insider's guide to politics and policy.
• Pictures: Protesters Seek Justice for Trayvon Martin.
• Read George Zimmerman Speaks Out on His Terms.

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