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July 27, 2012 9:49 AM

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Robert and Gladys Zimmerman, George Zimmerman's parents, launch website for "emotional and financial" support

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

George Zimmerman, left, appears before Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Lester, Jr. on Friday, June 29, 2012

/ AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Joe Burbank

(CBS) ORLANDO, Fla. - The parents of George Zimmerman, the man charged with murder in the death of Trayvon Martin, have launched a website in an effort to raise money, reports CBS affiliate WKMG.

Pictures: George Zimmerman charged with murder

Robert and Gladys Zimmerman have created robertandgladys.com, a website that allows users to write them words of support and contribute financially to their "greatly increased living expenses."

On the site, Robert Zimmerman wrote, "Nothing can ever return us to the family we were just a few short months ago. What Gladys and I have planned and worked for our entire life now will never be."

The site, which Zimmerman writes was set up to allow people to contribute "emotional and financial support," has a long section called "George's formative years," where Zimmerman writes about his son, who he says has been "portrayed savagely in the media." The background of the site is an American flag.

"Life as we had known it ended on February 26, 2012," the site proclaims. Feb. 26 is the day that George Zimmerman shot and killed Martin in a gated community in Sanford, Fla.

Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense. He was not arrested for 44 days because police said there was not enough evidence in the case. The lack of an arrest prompted protests and marches in Sanford and across the country.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointed a special prosecutor in the case, and George Zimmerman was later arrested on second-degree murder charges.

He has since twice bonded out of jail, most recently on a $1 million bond and is now living in a safe house in Seminole County.

George Zimmerman has requested that the judge in his case, Kenneth Lester, step down, and a ruling is expected soon.

Complete coverage of the Trayvon Martin case on CBS News

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by Armentta August 2, 2012 9:44 PM EDT: If someone says a kid, just turning 17, is Not a child, should agree that a 28 year old adult man should have known better than to pursue ,chased and shoot a stranger who begged for his life. It blows my mind that anyone believes GZ killed in self defense. Why didn't GZ use his free hand, the one he shot with, to fight TM? TM only had a small cut on his index finger. Did anyone see TM pound GZ's head into the concrete? If this had happened GZ would be dead or hospitalized. If you believe GZ's story than you are most likely blinded by hate. Non-believers are driven by the facts and only the facts.; Reply to this comment


by Armentta August 2, 2012 9:07 PM EDT: Funny how SZ put her life on the line for George and all His parents are saying is: poor George, poor daddy, poor grandma, poor mother Z, our lives will never be the same. Well, once again SZ has fallen victim to GZ's controlling ways. Shellie, the voice of reason, told GZ Not to go out chasing suspects. GZ said he would not change a thing which included telling his wife to lie for him. As planned, he sat in that court room and said nothing. Omission of the truth is certainly a LIE. Oh yeah, he also indicated on the jailhouse call, that his lawyer knew. For anyone who witnessed First Hand what happened to TM, watch out, GZ will eventually tell all.; Reply to this comment

by archon41 July 31, 2012 10:13 AM EDT

It seems that everything George Zimmerman does becomes a free-fire zone for partisan snark. There is much we do not know about the circumstances surrounding the creation of the first fund he set up for donations. We do know that donations were invited for the explicit purposes of funding legal and living expenses. We also know that this fund led to a dispute of some sort with his first set of lawyers. I believe they probably warned him that, if Judge Lester found out about this resource, he would include it as an asset for purposes of setting bail, thereby depleting it. I have little doubt that this is precisely what Lester, considering such funds subject to his grasp, would have done. He has now, by basing the amount of bail on the fund, cause it to be depleted by $85,000, for the bondsman's fee, notwithstanding that it was under the control of O'Mara and a trustee. This smacks of vindictiveness to me, and I don't wonder that Zimmerman, made as notorious as Osama bin Laden by the media, and facing charges fueled by racial and partisan animosity, tried to avoid disclosing to Judge Lester the lifeline thrown him by his supporters. I'm not saying I would have done the same thing. One the other hand, I'm not saying I wouldn't.

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by ahendryx819 July 31, 2012 11:11 AM EDT: Yeah, what he and his wife did is called perjury. Guess what? It's a crime. Oh, and maybe he should have held off on creating a website to get money from people who feel sorry for him (that's exactly what he did) until AFTER his bail hearing...I didn't judge his actions until I did some research on what happened that night. I listened to the 911 tape, I watched all of the videos put out, and only after seeing all of that, and learning about his past convictions, did I form an opinion of him. He shouldn't have even had a gun; he's been a violent offender previously, and anyone who knew about those convictions, along with his serious control issues, would have seen a murder of some form coming from him.


by ReckonedTruth July 31, 2012 3:37 PM EDT: @ahendryx819... those are merit points made upon the first bond hearing..(O'Mara was aware of what MIGHT happen and was hoping it would not)..which eventually happened anyway at the second bond hearing and he should be brought up on obstruction or contempt..not a smart move on the defense council..

..and so furthermore this why zimmerman supporters can't or WON'T comprehened as key FACTORS..and this is why the defense concil is prolonging the start of this trial..

..neither can zimmerman supporters fathom the idea that zimmerman's inconsistant statements are questionable upon his crediability..

Zimmerman supporters only see what they want to see ..a young teen in 11th grade> a potential thug because of he way he was dressed.. the inconsistant lies told about TM character..so then zimmeran has to be telling the truth in their mind ..when it is HE(zimmerman)..who has the RECORD filed with the PD department for domestic violence several times whether the cases were dropped or sealed as in a plea agreement.. it is HE who has proven time and time again to be a pathlogical liar and has anger management problems as document on his previous employment jobs..and his need for medical drug cocktails to get thru any given day PRIOR to this incident shooting.. which for me poses a PROBLEM-- why would as documented -his past records and behavior problems> he was allowed a weapon's permit? And as result a MINOR is shot dead who was unarmed ..minding his OWN business in hte RAIN and that's why TM had the sweathood covering his head..on his way HOME to his dad's residence within the gated community..where his stepmother and younger brother resided..to me if it doesn't make sense..then it's a 51% chance with regard to any incident in question> its not the truth..

GZ is trying to save his tail..and he will say and do anything to justify the shooting of TM..even to the point of saying it was God's plan to pander to the like minded who are depraved- who use religion for EVERYTHING as an defense justification..no matter how depraved the act or demonstration..

I will not be surprized if zimmerman walks.. he should be convicted for negilient homocide no less.. but this is a state that did not convict a mother where all evidence pretaining to the death of her 3 year old daughter went back to the mother of the child..and to this day ..are the authorities looking for another suspect? Nope.. because all leads go RIGHT back to Casey Anthony..the mother of the dead 3 year old..however the jury let this murderer go(IMPO)..

by ahendryx819 July 30, 2012 10:25 AM EDT

Wow, to think some people are ignorant enough to say that Trayvon's family only wants to profit off of this. His parents aren't the ones putting up websites trying to con people into giving them money....whatever, I'm sure all of his lunatic supporters have some type of rationalization for this, as they have everything else so far....

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by archon41 July 30, 2012 12:25 PM EDT: The website you refer to indicates that George's father is recovering from heart surgery, and his grandmother is suffering from Alzheimers. Neither have been able to obtain the medical support they require because of constant death threats and the need to "stay on the move." I tell you this to give you something to gloat over.


by ahendryx819 July 30, 2012 4:36 PM EDT: I'm not gloating; I'm merely contradicting the ignorant statements that I've been reading about the VICTIM'S family trying to profit off of this.

But if this is the case now, what was George's excuse for the first website? You know, the one where part of the money was used for him and Shellie's personal reasons, the one where the amount of money was lied about during his bond hearing, the one that he no longer has access to.....that one. What good reason could they have had for setting that one up?


by snowbirdnomore July 30, 2012 11:35 PM EDT: The Martin's aren't profiting from this? Are you serious? Ms. Martin interview for TIME where she wears an expensive designer suit and Mr. Martin in his new black leather jacket-in summer?-
They have traveled all over the country getting paid to speak or "donations" are taken. Do you know how much money it takes to be on a 6 month vacation from work, plus travel expenses, food, new clothes, etc.


by archon41 July 30, 2012 4:35 AM EDT: There simply comes a point at which one must ask why Trayvoners have such an obsessive-compulsive need to cling to their "narrative," to the point of trampling all over the physical evidence, timelines and witness testimony. I would suggest, as an explanatory hypothesis, that it confirms their self-image as "keepers of the flame" amidst hordes of the morally defective. Note how their hatred (and that is probably too mild a term for it) is directed not only towards Zimmerman, but those who admit to entertaining doubts about his guilt as well. Their volume of shrillness seems to increase as their case against Zimmerman deteriorates. Remember their resentment about evidence coming to light that Zimmerman's injuries were not nonexistent or self-inflicted? And how hostile they get, when confronted with evidence that Trayvon was not quite the "model youth" the media has created. Yes, there is something quite irrational going on here--but it is futile to attempt to reason someone out of a highly gratifying self-image.; Reply to this comment

by archon41 July 29, 2012 7:58 PM EDT

Well, well, looks like we have an admission here that Martin began the conflict by assaulting Zimmerman, by reason of his failure to "ID" himself. And at just what point in time is Zimmerman alleged to have committed this breach of civility? When Martin approached to "check him out?" Or is Zimmerman here supposed to have been engaged in creative fiction while speaking to the dispatcher? You have to go one way or the other. I can hardly fault Zimmerman for failure to "ID" himself to the youth we see in the 7-11 video, in a dark, high-crime area. Far better to let the police handle that contact. But were he just looking for a pretext to shoot Trayvon, wouldn't this have been the ideal time to have done it? Now, as far as violation of a duty to "ID" himself in the area of the "T," you're really going to have to do better than this. You're going to have to tell us just how the two came together. How could "failure to ID" here be relevant, unless Martin attacked Zimmerman? Why the vagueness of your allegations, if you're not just looking for a pretext to vent resentments personal to yourself?

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by andie52 July 29, 2012 9:39 PM EDT: Zimmerman is possessed of a type of self-righteous narcissism and faux-empathy for those people whose lives he has ruined. In keeping with his belief that he was a tool of prophetic vengeance, Zimmerman also suggested that it was "god's plan" that he killed Trayvon Martin.


by snowbirdnomore July 30, 2012 11:43 PM EDT: andie52-What about Tracy Martin saying it was God's will for this to happen due to "the lamb of God" as Tracy refers to Tray on the TIME interview, being sent to bring justice to the world?
One states it wasn't under his control to stop and the other says it was God's will for the new Dr. King to bring justice to the world. OMG. Lambs do not attack people, nor get suspended for violating school rules.


by LaptlopCrazy July 31, 2012 5:22 PM EDT: @snowbirdnomore you did not hear what George Z said on Hannity Show very well or didn't see him on that show at all either way. George Z did say "God's Plan" which he had to shoot TM to death and then he said, "I am sorry for you had to buried your son." He also said that he had no regrets for getting out of car, shot TM, etc that night when Hannity asked him. Then Tracy Martin said...after George Z requested apology to Martin Family which the family couln't accept "God's Plan" to kill their child. We all know the Bible says "Thou Shall Not Kill." How can George Z said that? Can you, snowbirdnomore???


by Armentta July 29, 2012 6:32 PM EDT: Someone commented that if GZ was black. Well,if GZ was black, GZ would have been arrested that very night and would be locked up right now. If GZ were black, having the same financial background, making bail would have been off the table. There would be No Send Me Money cause I messed up and killed an unarmed teen, cause he banged my head in the concrete 12 times and gave me minor injuries. It would be no BW, "I will not tell you my side of the story until you pay me". Or SH, "I ain't sorry for nothing, so set me free". TM case was marked homicide, yet GZ walked a free man. It was not until there was a national outcry, from people of all backgrounds, that GZ was arrested. So, Stop comparing Black on Black hood crimes, with an adult, trained in law enforcement, failing to ID himself. Most Black people have never been in jail or committed any crimes and are not responsible for those who do. GZ, the adult stranger killed a teen. TM became a suspect just because he slowly walked in the rain. TM is not responsible for the criminals in GZ's hood. If TM were White or other and GZ was Black, Black GZ would be guilty of lying and the majority would demand that he is held accountable.; Reply to this comment


by andie52 July 29, 2012 6:30 PM EDT: George is a complete fool.Would a petty burglar have come to "check him out" as he was sitting in his vehicle? Would a petty burglar have approached him as he was walking back to his vehicle and said "Why are you following me?"
George's profiling and suspicions should have already begun to unravel.; Reply to this comment

by ReckonedTruth July 29, 2012 5:09 PM EDT

So GZ said it was God's Plan..to shoot/murder Trayvon martin.. speaks volumes of his depraved mind..

If the LIVING and TURE GOD has enemies?..They would be FEAR MONGERS who use religion as stated by George Zimmerman and his supporters..as an justifiable homocide case against a minor- Trayvon Martin

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by snowbirdnomore July 30, 2012 11:45 PM EDT: Tracy Martin also said it was God's plan-speaks volumes of his depraved mind?

by ReckonedTruth July 29, 2012 2:51 PM EDT

by kkltr76 July 29, 2012 1:10 PM EDT
Reckoned

If you are going to make completely asinine accusations concerning Zim's parents, include your sources. Making such incriminating accusations deserves some sort of backing in the way of a source or evidence of some kind.

Otherwise your suggestion is nothing more than Liberal conspiracy dribble that has absolutely no credibility whatsoever!!!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

dumb-dumb..

as many have told you ..you are illogical and just plain stupid..and furthermore dumb-dumb this isn't a POLITICAL issue as you often used as some sort of justification-JIM CROW IS OUTLAWED and the Sanford PD chief was reminded as such and that's WHY he was FIRED(get over it)..

I asked that you don't address me..I have NOt address you by name and I will not..I put you in the same mind set of HOLMES the
colorado SHOOTER.. another illogical shelf serving narcassisstic idiot..who murdered..INNOCENT PPL..

..as far as the information I've stated is PUBLIC INFORMATION ans if you can dispute what I 've I stated..feel free..as I've said before to YOU..BUT YOU CAN't (laughing)..which makes you null and void.. because you aren't the brightest bulb in the pack..and don't know where to LOOK for the PUBLIC information I have stated...GET OVER IT..

The african AMERICAN community and others JOINED in in a PEACEFUL PROTEST..and a single rock or destruction took place..unlike those in southern california.. or other militia who commit anarchy lawlessness against innocent people..get a clue and stop drinking the MAN MADE TEA..

..the same TEA which denied TM due process of this case of which the CHIEF PD of sanford didn't want to address..and dumb-dumb that's NOT due process..again that's public information as well.. and for you to say the GOV of florida and the SPECIAL prosecution assigned over this case.. were pressured by AMERICANS? Speaks volumes that OUR democratic process is at WORK- its called WE THE PEOPLE..dumb-dumb...its CALLED AMERICA..and as AMERICANS we are GRANTED RIGHTS AND FREEDOM UNDER THE LAW..where we are ALL SUPPOSE to be equal under the LAW as AMERICANS.. SO GET OVER IT..

..the extreme race-based RIGHT do not set the rules for everyone as the LAW of the LAND..get a clue..

..this will be my last time commenting to your Ri-DICK-cu-lous rhetoric and illogical mental demise addressed to me.. I have better opportunity with others who comment in a sense of logical and merit reasoning unlike you.. .basically I have better things to do than to sit up on a blog all day defending a accused Murderer
with a history of violence and is a pathlogical liar UNDISPUTED with merit..

You don't know that TM is a thug..and by LAW he is DEEMED as MINOR..get over it ..its FACT.
upon
You don't know who struck who FIRST between GZ and TM uponprovocation..

BUT WE ALL KNOW that GZ is a LIAR and has history of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.. and such information is MERIT INFORMATION as FACT upon Public INFOMATION..

carry on with someone else who has the time to comment upon your reduntant illogical merit-less reasoning of opinions..minus the FACTS as WE ALL KNOW currently to this case..

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by snowbirdnomore July 29, 2012 4:12 PM EDT: What? maybe if you cleared up mistakes, we could understand.
Can you cite one incident of domestic violence in the past five years? Seems happily married to me.
The incident of domestic violence-she slapped him and he threw her on a bed. Wow, really abusive. He happened to have won that case against her.


by ReckonedTruth July 29, 2012 4:56 PM EDT: listen domestic violence doesn't stem to ONLY male and female relationships..

..and lets not be dumb about this especially..if you're in defense of GZ..

..we know GZ attacked a police officer..that's domestic violence as well.. and we know under what grounds he agreed upon with ALL of his domestic violence court cases.. anger management classes and other compliances ordered by the court and GZ agreed and the court case was sealed/and can be reopend as record linked to any other accused crime GZ may be charged with-- in the future..will this be used against him in this court case..no..but does this show he has a TRACK RECORD with the PD.. for this sort of behavior..YES!

AGAIN this is public information..

and if the statue of limitation hasn't expired..i'm certain his female cousin would put charges on GZ as well..he's a PERVERT


by andie52 July 29, 2012 8:00 PM EDT: snowbirdnomore Shelley lied under oath about the donation money why would you think she would tell the truth if George slapped her around? how do you feel about witness 9's statement ?

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