George Zimmerman, the Florida man who claims he shot and killed Trayvon Martin in self-defense, has set up a personal website to collect money for his legal expenses, his attorneys told NBC News on Monday.
Several sites purporting to raise money for Zimmerman, 28, have popped up since he shot Martin, 17, on Feb. 26 in Sanford, Fla., but "I cannot attest to the validity of these other websites," Zimmerman writes on therealgeorgezimmerman.com
Attorneys confirmed to NBC News that the site, which domain records show was created Sunday, is real and is operated by Zimmerman himself. It solicits donations through PayPal with a promise that "any funds provided are used only for living expenses and legal defense, in lieu of my forced inability to maintain employment."
There are several links on the website, one of which is labeled "Album." This features a shot of a wall at the Frank W. Hale Black Cultural Center at Ohio State Universitythat was vandalized with a great deal of graffitti and the words "Justice for Zimmerman" (above) and "Long Live Zimmerman." (below)
Zimmerman’s supporters insist that this case is not about race, so why were they moved to vandalize a black cultural center, and why is Zimmerman endorsing this:
“A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed” – Henrik, Ibsen...This page is dedicated to persons whom have displayed their support of Justice for All.
Thank you, George Zimmerman"
Here's the full statement from Zimmerman on his website:
I am the real George Zimmerman. On Sunday February 26th, I was involved in a life altering event which led me to become the subject of intense media coverage. As a result of the incident and subsequent media coverage, I have been forced to leave my home, my school, my employer, my family and ultimately, my entire life. This website's sole purpose is to ensure my supporters they are receiving my full attention without any intermediaries.
It has come to my attention that some persons and/or entities have been collecting funds, thinly veiled as my "Defense Fund" or "Legal Fund". I cannot attest to the validity of these other websites as I have not received any funds collected, intended to support my family and I through this trying, tragic time.
I have created a Paypal account solely linked on this website as I would like to provide an avenue to thank my supporters personally and ensure that any funds provided are used only for living expenses and legal defense, in lieu of my forced inability to maintain employment. I will also personally, maintain accountability of all funds received. I reassure you, every donation is appreciated.
Sincerely,
George Zimmerman
UPDATE:
In a surprise announcement this afternoon, lawyers for George Zimmerman, the shooter in the Trayvon Martin shooting, said they no longer have contact with their client and are no longer representing him. Craig Sonner said:
"I still believe he was acting in self defense that night .... I just cannot stay representing a client who will not stay in contact with me."Sonner and Hal Uhrig said they had been told that Zimmerman had directly contacted the special prosecutor's office that has been investigating the case since March 22. That's not a contact a suspect should make, they said. And the special prosecutor's office told him, they said, that nobody there would talk to him without counsel being present.Both lawyers said they still believe Zimmerman acted in self defense. They said they would represent him still if he asked them. But for now, he remains without counsel as far as they know.
The lawyers indicated that they did not think Zimmerman would flee the country, but made clear that their former client was not in Florida.
Update #2
Apparently the pictures posted above have been removed by Zimmerman and are no longer on his webpage.
Any bets as to how long it will take those Zimmerman supporters to label him a DemocRat or a liberual. Soon after, cut their poignant emotional tie to him.
Posted by: Finis Hominis | April 10, 2012 at 03:26 PM
Yeah, he isn't playing it too well, lawyerd up, then started up a webpage, talked to the states attorney office without his counsel. Even Bernie Goetz didn't play it like this.
Posted by: Coiler | April 10, 2012 at 06:37 PM
Goldman also said Zimmerman talked to Hannity. He added that the prosecutor's office wouldn't talk to Zimmerman without them. They would have sent him away. Also said that it isn't unusual for attorneys to be out of contact with their client for days. This has only just begun.
Goldman also offered the possibility that their separating themselves from Zimmerman now could indicate that Angela Corey told them she is not going to press charges and the lawyers are bailing now.
All we know is that the money is pouring in and he's potentially going to have plenty of money for a defense if he can get his act together.
It's kind of like the long, long ride in the white Bronco of O.J.Simpson. It will go on forever.
Posted by: Truth-seeker | April 10, 2012 at 07:23 PM
I guess the unusual suspects won’t comment on this set back.
Posted by: Finis Hominis | April 10, 2012 at 08:11 PM
You are one of the usual suspects, Finis. No setback junior, just going through due process. Too bad it didn't happen earlier so the ambulance chasing kabookie theatre would have been sparred.
So, why did Trayvon's mother believe the shooting was an accident ? Interesting quote. My prediction: At the most, he may be convicted for manslaughter.
Posted by: KS | April 14, 2012 at 06:40 PM
Truth seeker, Finis, or the rest of the 'Justice League', here is ABC news posting of what Zimmerman's head looked like 3 minutes after the incident.
here
Posted by: Puget Sound Blathers | April 20, 2012 at 06:06 AM
Any wagers as to how lengthy it will take those Zimmerman followers to brand him a DemocRat or a liberual. Soon after, cut their psychological emotional tie to him.
Posted by: rentals in Vail Village | April 30, 2012 at 07:40 AM