Neighbourhood watch guard charged with Murder after Killing Black Teenager

The fatal shooting of a black teenage in Florida has caused nationwide condemnation of both the shooter and the prosecution who initially refused to charge the accused.

It has now emerged that George Zimmerman, a 28 year old neighbourhood watch guard, has been charged with the second degree murder of 17 year old Trayvon Martin.

Prosecutors initially refused to charge Zimmerman as they believed he was acting in ‘self defence’, and Florida’s ‘stand your ground’ law allows the use of deadly force if you feel in danger of imminent death or grievous bodily harm.

Supporters of Zimmerman have alleged that Martin attacked him first, breaking his nose before knocking him to the ground.

However, lawyers representing the Martin family have cited that Trayvon was only walking to the corner shop to buy candy and was later found to be unarmed and carrying only a packet of Skittles.

Since the murder, there has been nationwide protests with many high profile individuals such as US President Barack Obama urging the prosecution to re-assess the murder.

Florida’s state prosecutor, Angela Corney, has now confirmed that Zimmerman has been charged with second degree murder of the youth after handing himself into authorities and is being held in an undisclosed Florida location.