Killer of African-American teenager pleads not guilty

A neighborhood watch guard in the US state of Florida that shot dead an unarmed African-American teenager has entered a ‘not guilty’ plea in court after being freed on bail.

The attorney for George Zimmerman, who killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin back in February, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf hours after posting a bond for his release from jail.

“The defendant, by and through his undersigned attorney, enters a written plea of not guilty to the charges now pending against him,” read a court document on Monday, thus waiving Zimmerman’s obligation to appear at his May 8 arraignment.

The plea came hours after Zimmerman was released from jail on a $150,000 bond, pending trial.

The case has ignited controversy nationwide, especially among African-American communities, since the unofficial neighborhood watchman was not even arrested by the police after he killed the unarmed teenager near his father’s residence.

The killing of Martin on February 26 has also spurred a wave of protest rallies across the US and revived concerns among the public over the issue of hate crimes.

Many in the US have questioned the circumstances and motives behind the killing, arguing that the shooting was racially motivated.

Zimmerman has reportedly gone into hiding in another US state due to ‘security concerns.’

Meanwhile, the City Commissioners of Sanford have voted not to accept the resignation of Florida Police Chief Bill Lee. The surprise vote comes hours after officials said Lee would be leaving permanently.

He temporarily stepped down last month amid criticism that the police did not arrest Zimmerman until six weeks after the killing.