In 911 calls before the shooting George Zimmerman told police that Trayvon Martin looked suspicious A Florida neighbourhood watchman has been charged with second-degree murder over the shooting of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin.George Zimmerman turned himself in on Wednesday and is now in custody, special prosecutor Angela Corey said.
Martin's parents said the charge was a first step towards justice, but added there was "a long way to go".
Mr Zimmerman, 28, claimed self-defence and was not arrested in the weeks after Trayvon Martin's fatal shooting.
Announcing the charge, Ms Corey said that no bail had yet been set for Mr Zimmerman. She did not disclose Mr Zimmerman's current location, but indicated that he would appear in court within 24 hours.
He is expected to be transferred to jail in Seminole County before his court appearance.
In the wake of the announcement, Trayvon Martin's mother and father appeared alongside civil rights leader Al Sharpton to hail the charge against George Zimmerman.
"We just wanted an answer, and we got it," Sybrina Fulton said.
"A heart has no colour - it is not black, it is not white. It's red," she added, her voice cracking with emotion.
His father, Tracy Martin, said more effort and more faith would be required from those seeking justice.
'Looking suspicious'
Florida's controversial "stand your ground" law grants individuals leeway to use deadly force if they feel seriously under threat.
Trayvon Martin was walking home from a local shop carrying a bag of sweets and a can of iced tea when he was approached by Mr Zimmerman.
The neighbourhood watch volunteer had told a police dispatcher he thought Martin, who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, looked suspicious.
According to 911 emergency calls released afterwards, the dispatcher told Mr Zimmerman not to go after the young man. But minutes later a confrontation ensued, leading to the fatal shooting of Mr Martin.
Trayvon Martin's family and supporters have said Mr Zimmerman killed him in cold blood. They allege he suspected the teenager was a criminal based on his race and the fact he was wearing a hooded sweatshirt.
Mr Zimmerman's supporters say he only opened fire after the teenager attacked him, broke his nose and banged his head against the pavement.
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