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July 5, 2012

Trayvon Martin
Trayvon Martin

Florida Judge Sets New Bail for Trayvon Martin's Killer at $1 Million

Florida Judge Kenneth B. Lester Jr. on Thursday set bail at $1 million for George Zimmerman, who is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of an unarmed Trayvon Martin.

"The defendant has the ability to post such bail. This increased bail is not a punishment; it is meant to allay this court's concern that the defendant intended to flee the jurisdiction and a lesser amount would not ensure his presence in court," Lester, a circuit court judge in Seminole County, wrote in an eight-page decision.

Lester noted that he released Zimmerman on a $150,000 bail on April 20, but the judge later heard testimony and received substantial evidence, regarding Zimmerman's finances. According to court documents, Zimmerman received nearly $200,000 in donations, and he had $130,000 available to him.

The Zimmermans, Shellie and George
 Mug shot couple: Shellie and George Zimmerman.
Florida prosecutors also have charged Zimmerman's wife, Shellie, with perjury, regarding the April bond hearing. She testified that the couple had very little money to pay her husband's bond.

Lester revoked George Zimmerman's bond and ordered him to return to jail. Zimmerman's attorney asked for a new bail hearing, which was held on June 29.

Zimmerman shot and killed 17-year-old Martin last February. Martin was returning from a store to his father's home. George Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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