SANFORD, Fla. (AP) _ It’s been one year since neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in central Florida.
On Feb. 26, 2012, Zimmerman spotted Martin walking through his neighborhood, a gated community, in Sanford. Martin was walking back to a house he was staying at in the community after a trip to a convenience store.
Zimmerman started to follow him because he thought he looked suspicious.
Despite a police dispatcher telling him “you don’t have to do that,” Zimmerman got out of his truck to pursue Martin.
They got into a fight, and Martin was shot.
Zimmerman was eventually charged with second-degree murder but has pleaded not guilty.
He says Martin attacked him and that he shot the teen in self-defense.
His trial is set for June.
Trayvon Martin’s family is asking people across the country to wear hooded sweatshirts as part of what they call a “million-hoodie vigil.”
Crowds are expected to gather at Ft. Mellon Park in Sanford at 6:30 tonight to honor the teenager. A nationwide lighting of candles is expected at 7:15 p.m