Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman on the evening of February 26th, 2012, on a path running between houses on Twin Trees Lane and Retreat View Circle, at The Retreat at Twin Lakes, a residential community in Sanford, Florida.
Martin, a 17-year-old high school student, was returning on foot from a nearby convenience store to the home of his father’s fiancee in the gated community. Zimmerman, a resident and neighborhood watch volunteer at The Retreat, observed Martin and called the police to report what he considered to be a suspicious person.
Zimmerman, who was licensed to carry a firearm, reportedly followed Martin on foot and during a physical altercation between them, fatally shot an unarmed Martin. Zimmerman was ultimately charged and stood trial for murder, but was acquitted after claiming self defense.
The killing of Trayvon Martin, an African-American, who had a legitimate reason to be walking in the area, attracted accusations of racial bias, compounded by the delay before authorities arrested and charged Zimmerman. The incident drew worldwide attention and widespread protests in the United States.
